Havfrue LOA (Execute

PETITION submitted by DHS

Letter of Assurance

2019-09-05

This document pretains to SCL-LIC-20180511-00010 for License on a Submarine Cable Landing filing.

IBFS_SCLLIC2018051100010_1888223

Sep 2, 2019
______________________ 2019


Assistant Secretary for Border, Immigration and Trade
Office of Policy
Mail Stop 0445
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE
Washington, D.C. 20528-0445
IP-FCC@hq.dhs.gov


Dear Sir:

This Letter of Assurances (“LOA”) sets forth the commitments made by America
Europe Connect 2 USA, Inc. (“AEC2 USA”), America Europe Connect 2 Limited
(“AEC2”), Edge Cable Holdings USA, LLC (“Edge”), GU Holdings Inc. (“GU
Holdings”), and Optibulk Havfrue AS (“Optibulk”) (collectively, the “Licensees”)
to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) to address national
security, law enforcement, and public safety concerns raised with regard to an
application filed by the Licensees with the Federal Communications Commission
(“FCC”) for a license to land and operate within the United States a private fiber-
optic submarine cable network connecting Wall, New Jersey; Blaabjerg, Denmark;
Old Head Beach, Leckanvy, Ireland; and Kristiansand, Norway (the “Havfrue
System”).1

The Licensees have agreed to provide this LOA to DHS, and the Licensees
understand that DHS will petition the FCC to condition the requested authorization
on compliance with this LOA.

For purposes of this LOA:

      A. “Domestic Communications” means: (a) Wire Communications or
         Electronic Communications (whether stored or not) from one U.S. location
         to another U.S. location and (b) the U.S. portion of a Wire Communication
         or Electronic Communication (whether stored or not) that originates or
         terminates in the United States.

1
    SCL-LIC-20180511-00010, Joint Application for Cable Landing License.


B. “Domestic Communications Infrastructure” or “DCI” means: (a) any portion
   of the Havfrue System that physically is located in the United States, up to
   the submarine line terminating equipment, including (if any) transmission,
   switching, bridging, and routing equipment, and any associated software
   (with the exception of commercial-off-the-shelf (“COTS”) software used for
   common business functions, e.g., Microsoft Office) used by or on behalf of
   the Licensees to provide, process, direct, control, supervise, or manage
   Domestic Communications; and (b) Network Operations Center (“NOC”)
   facilities, as defined in Section D below.

C. “Electronic Communication” has the meaning given it in 18 U.S.C. §
   2510(12).

D. “Network Operations Center” or “NOC” means the locations and facilities
   designated as such by the Licensees for purposes of performing network
   management, monitoring, maintenance, or other operational functions for the
   Havfrue System.

E. “Principal Equipment” means the primary electronic components of the
   Havfrue System, which comprises the Domestic Communications
   Infrastructure and Wet Infrastructure. Principal Equipment includes:
   network element servers; routers; switches; repeaters; submarine line
   terminal equipment (“SLTE”); system supervisory equipment (“SSE”);
   signal modulators and amplifiers; power feed equipment (“PFE”); tilt and
   shape equalizer units (“TEQ/SEQ”); optical distribution frames (“ODF”);
   branching units (“BU”); synchronous optical network (“SONET”);
   synchronous digital hierarchy (“SDH”); wave division multiplexing
   (“WDM”), dense wave division multiplexing (“DWDM”); coarse wave
   division multiplexing (“CWDM”); or optical carrier network (“OCx”)
   equipment, as applicable; and any non-embedded software used for
   monitoring, administration, or provisioning of the Havfrue System (with the
   exception of COTS software used for common business functions, e.g.,
   Microsoft Office).

F. “Screened Personnel” has the meaning set forth in Paragraph 11 below.

G. “Wet Infrastructure” means hardware components installed and residing on
   the undersea portion of the Havfrue System, including fiber optic cables,
   repeaters, branching units, and routers (if any). Wet Infrastructure includes
                                       2


        all the components used to define the topology of the undersea portion of the
        Havfrue System.

     H. “Wire Communication” has the meaning given it in 18 U.S.C. § 2510(1).

The Licensees undertake to comply with the following commitments:

1.      Security Point of Contact

        AEC2 USA agrees to maintain a primary Security Point of Contact
        (“Primary POC”) for purposes of this LOA. Each other individual Licensee
        will designate a secondary point of contact (“Secondary POC”) for purposes
        of this LOA. The Primary POC will be a U.S. citizen residing in the United
        States and will maintain an active U.S. Government security clearance at the
        “Secret” level or higher. AEC2 USA and each other individual Licensee
        agree to nominate a proposed Primary POC and Secondary POCs
        respectively within thirty (30) business days of the execution of this LOA.

        The Primary POC will be available twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7)
        days per week, regarding any national security, law enforcement, or public
        safety concerns that DHS may raise with respect to the Havfrue System.
        Upon request by DHS, the Primary POC will make himself/herself available
        in person within the United States at a mutually agreeable date and location,
        including in a classified setting as determined necessary. The Primary POC
        will be responsible for receiving and promptly effectuating any lawful
        inquiries or requests for information and, subject to paragraph 18, for
        otherwise ensuring compliance with obligations set forth in this LOA. In the
        event a lawful inquiry or request for information implicates SLTE owned
        and/or operated by a Licensee other than AEC2USA, the Primary POC will
        provide prompt notice of such inquiry or request to the relevant Secondary
        POC, who will promptly respond directly to the relevant government
        agency.

        The Licensees will notify DHS of any proposed change to any Primary or
        Secondary POC at least ten (10) business days in advance of such proposed
        change.

        Any proposed Primary or Secondary POC will be subject to DHS review
        and non-objection and may be subject to a background check at the sole
        discretion of DHS.
                                           3


2.   Cable System Information

     Within sixty (60) business days of the execution of this LOA, and,
     thereafter, within fifteen (15) business days upon DHS request, the
     Licensees agree to make available the following Havfrue System
     Information:

     (a)   Network management information, as follows: (1) a network map
           that includes physical and logical topology; (2) network and
           telecommunications architecture descriptions and associated
           descriptions of interconnection points and controlled gateways to the
           DCI and Wet Infrastructure; (3) network operational plans, processes,
           and procedures; (4) locations and functions of any NOCs, data
           centers, and main distribution facilities; (5) organizational chart, to
           include specific reference to the names and positions of senior
           officials responsible for operations of the Havfrue System, for each
           Licensee; and (6) descriptions of interfaces and connections to the
           Havfrue System for service offload, disaster recovery, or
           administrative functions;

     (b)   A complete and current list of all contracts held by the Licensees or
           their designee(s) for the maintenance and security of the Havfrue
           System; and

     (c)   A restoration plan for the Principal Equipment and the Wet
           Infrastructure for the Havfrue System.

3.   Operational Requirements

     With respect to the operation of the Havfrue System, the Licensees agree as
     follows:

     (a)   The Licensees will have the ability to promptly and effectively
           interrupt, in whole or in part, traffic to and from the United States on
           the Havfrue System by disabling or disconnecting circuits at the U.S.
           cable landing station or at other locations within the United States;




                                         4


     (b)   The Licensees will configure all necessary systems to ensure the NOC
           can suspend or interrupt the optical carrier signal or all of the Havfrue
           System within the DCI.

     If any Licensee is required to interrupt traffic to or from the United States as
     a result of lawful U.S. process, such Licensee will be permitted to disclose
     publicly that it was required to interrupt service in response to lawful U.S.
     process without disclosing any of the content of such request.

4.   Principal Equipment List

     Within thirty (30) business days of the execution of this LOA, the Licensees
     agree to provide DHS with a list to include:

     (a)   A complete and current list of all Principal Equipment, including: (1)
           a description of each item and the functions supported, (2) each item’s
           manufacturer, and (3) the model and/or version number of any
           hardware or software; and

     (b)   Any vendors, contractors, or subcontractors involved in providing,
           installing, operating, managing, or maintaining the Principal
           Equipment.

     Objections to the Principal Equipment List will be handled pursuant to
     Paragraph 8.

     At the sole discretion of DHS, the Licensees agree to supplement in writing
     the definition of Principal Equipment to address subsequent technological
     developments with submarine systems.


5.   Modifications to Existing Principal Equipment

     The Licensees agree to provide DHS at least fifteen (15) business days’
     advance notice prior to performing any maintenance, repair, or replacement
     that would result in any modification to the quantum, function,
     configuration, operation, or location of existing Principal Equipment for the
     Havfrue System or testing thereof. With any such notice, Licensees may
     request that DHS waive the notice obligation of this Paragraph 5 for
     substantially similar modifications in the future. The Licensees may not
                                          5


     comply with the advance notice requirement for any maintenance, repair, or
     replacement that is undertaken in response to an unforeseen or
     uncontrollable event and that is necessary to ensure the continued operability
     of the Havfrue System; however, in such circumstances, the Licensees agree
     to provide advance notice to DHS of the modification, if practicable, and, if
     impracticable, the Licensees agree to provide notice within ten (10) business
     days after the modification of the Principal Equipment. The Licensees may
     continue to utilize any Principal Equipment repaired or replaced pursuant to
     the process outlined in this Paragraph, provided DHS does not object
     pursuant to Paragraph 8.

6.   Change in Vendors, Contractors, or Subcontractors for Principal
     Equipment

     The Licensees agree to provide at least thirty (30) business days’ advance
     notice prior to modifying the list of vendors, contractors, or subcontractors
     involved in providing, installing, operating, managing, or maintaining the
     Principal Equipment. In addition, the Licensees agree to provide at least
     thirty (30) business days’ advance notice prior to changing the service
     offerings or support from a previously-listed vendor, contractor,
     subcontractor (i.e., where a previously-listed provider will be offering
     support in a previously unidentified way). Objections to any new vendor,
     contractor, or subcontractor for the Principal Equipment or the proposed
     service offerings thereof will be handled pursuant to Paragraph 8.

7.   Equipment Testing

     The Licensees agree to provide at least thirty (30) business days’ advance
     notice prior to initiating the testing of any new Principal Equipment
     connected to DCI or Wet Infrastructure of the Havfrue System by any
     vendor not already on the approved Principal Equipment List. Objections to
     any testing proposed pursuant to this Paragraph will be handled pursuant to
     Paragraph 8.

8.   Objection Resolution

     DHS will notify the Licensees of any objection, including the basis for
     DHS’s objection, to a notice submitted pursuant to Paragraphs 4, 5, 6 or 7
     above within forty-five (45) business days of receipt of such notice. The
     USG will endeavor to provide such approval within 60-days; however, if
                                         6


     such approval is not provided timely, after consultation and agreement, the
     parties can determine a reasonable timeframe for the USG to grant
     approval. In the event of such an objection, the Licensees will not expand
     the existing deployment or enhance the capabilities of any Principal
     Equipment to which DHS has objected, and the Licensees agree to meet,
     confer and otherwise attempt in good faith to resolve DHS’ objection. Until
     the objection is resolved, the Licensees will not upgrade, install, replace, or
     service any objectionable Principal Equipment without written authorization
     from DHS.

9.   Measures to Prevent Improper Use and Unauthorized Access

     The Licensees agree to take practicable measures to prevent unauthorized
     access to the Havfrue System and to prevent any unlawful use or disclosure
     of information carried on the same, which measures Licensees shall include
     in the policies that they will develop and implement pursuant to this LOA.
     For purposes of this Paragraph, such “practicable measures,” at a minimum,
     include compliance with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations governing
     cybersecurity, information security, and privacy and will be measures
     consistent with best practices and guidelines, such as but not limited to the
     Cybersecurity Framework of the National Institute of Standards and
     Technology and 27001 Series standards of the International Organization for
     Standardization. These measures should also include items such as
     configuration management, security audits, and system interconnection
     documentation, as well as contractual safeguards and screening procedures
     for personnel with logical access to the DCI.

     The Licensees agree to take appropriate measures to protect and promote
     resiliency of the Havfrue System, including measures to ensure that security
     patches for systems and applications are up to date.

     The Licensees agree to maintain or exceed security standards and best
     practices utilized within the U.S. telecommunications industry for
     maintenance of password systems and firewalls, non-destructive access logs,
     and periodic internal audits of network security and associated network
     devices. The Licensees agree to submit a policy regarding logical security
     measures adopted in accordance with this Paragraph to DHS within sixty
     (60) business days of the date of execution of this LOA. The Licensees
     agree to meet, confer and otherwise attempt in good faith to resolve any
     concerns DHS may raise about such policy.
                                         7


10.   Physical Security Measures

      The Licensees agree to take practicable measures to physically secure the
      Havfrue System, including the DCI. The Licensees will screen appropriate
      personnel in accordance with Paragraph 11 below, and the Licensees will
      require that all visitors who physically access the DCI are escorted at all
      times by Screened Personnel, as defined herein. The Licensees agree to
      submit a policy setting forth Licensees’ physical security measures to DHS
      within sixty (60) business days of the date of execution of this LOA. The
      Licensees agree to meet, confer and otherwise attempt in good faith to
      resolve any concerns DHS may raise about such policy.

11.   Screening of Personnel

      The Licensees agree to implement, either directly or through a vendor or
      service provider, a process to screen any existing or newly hired Licensee
      personnel (or any personnel performing under an agreement or arrangement
      with the Licensees) in, at minimum, the following circumstances:

      (a)   Any person whose position could involve logical access to the DCI;
            and

      (b)   All personnel charged with securing the DCI.

      The Licensees’ personnel screening process will be reflected in a written
      policy and will include background investigations, public criminal records
      checks, or other analogous means to ascertain a person’s trustworthiness.
      Upon satisfying the requirements set forth in the screening policy, such
      persons will be considered “Screened Personnel.”

      The Licensees agree to submit the screening policy to DHS within sixty (60)
      business days of the date of execution of this LOA. If DHS notifies the
      Licensees of any concerns regarding such policies, the Licensees agree to
      meet, confer, and otherwise attempt in good faith to resolve such concerns to
      the satisfaction of DHS. The Licensees agree to cooperate with any request
      by DHS to provide additional identifying information regarding Screened
      Personnel.



                                         8


12.   Reporting Incidents and Breaches

      The Licensees agree to report to DHS promptly if they learn of information
      that reasonably indicates:

      (a)   Unauthorized third-party access to, or disruption or corruption of, the
            Havfrue System or any information being carried on the Havfrue
            System;

      (b)   Any other unauthorized access to or disclosure of Domestic
            Communications in violation of federal, state, or local law; or

      (c)   Any material breach of the commitments made in this LOA.

      The Licensees agree to make any reports required by this provision in
      writing to DHS within ten (10) business days of discovery of the relevant
      conduct. The Licensees agree to remediate any incidents or breaches
      reported pursuant to this provision to the satisfaction of DHS.

13.   Instruction of Obligations

      The Licensees agree to instruct appropriate officers, employees, contractors,
      and agents as to the Licensees’ obligations under this LOA, including the
      individuals’ duty to report any violation, and to issue periodic reminders of
      such obligations. The Licensees agree to issue initial instructions in writing
      within sixty (60) business days of the date of execution of this LOA, and
      updated instructions annually thereafter. The Licensees agree to submit a
      copy of such instructions to DHS at the same time.

14.   Change in Services to Third Parties

      The Licensees anticipate utilizing the Havfrue System (a) for their or their
      affiliates’ own internal use and (b) for offering wholesale, government and
      enterprise customers leased, indefeasible rights of use for, or other non-
      ownership interests of capacity, spectrum or dark fibers on particularized
      terms and conditions pursuant to individualized negotiations. The Licensees
      agree to notify DHS in writing at least thirty (30) business days prior to
      implementing any changes to the nature of these services as offered to non-
      affiliate third-party customers of any of the Licensees. The Licensees agree

                                          9


      to provide a detailed description of the proposed change including the terms,
      conditions, and entities involved in making the change.

15.   Change in Control

      If the Licensees learn of any information that reasonably indicates that any
      single foreign entity or individual, other than those already identified, has or
      likely will obtain an ownership interest, whether direct or indirect, in any of
      the Licensees or the Havfrue System above ten (10) percent, or if any
      foreign entity or individual, singly or in combination with other foreign
      entities or individuals, has or likely otherwise will gain either: (i) control, as
      determined in accordance with 47 C.F.R. § 63.09(b); or (ii) de facto or de
      jure control of any of the Licensees, the Licensees agree to provide notice in
      writing to DHS within ten (10) business days. Notice under this Section
      will, at a minimum:

      (a)   Identify the entity or individual(s) acquiring control (specifying the
            name, addresses, and telephone numbers of the entity or
            individual(s));

      (b)   Identify the beneficial owners of any such increased or prospective
            increased ownership interest in the Licensees or the Havfrue System
            by the entity or individual(s) (specifying the name, addresses, and
            telephone numbers of each beneficial owner); and

      (c)   Quantify the amount of ownership interest that the entity or
            individual(s) has or likely will obtain in the Licensees or the Havfrue
            System and, if applicable, the basis for their prospective control of the
            Licensees or the Havfrue System.

16.   Annual Report

      On the anniversary of the date of this LOA, the Licensees agree submit to
      DHS a report assessing the Licensees’ compliance with the terms of this
      LOA for the preceding year. The report shall include:

      (a)   The names and contact information of the then-current POCs;

      (b)   Cable System Information, as described in Paragraph 2 above, noting
            any changes during the reporting period;
                                           10


      (c)   An updated Principal Equipment List containing all information
            described in Paragraph 4 above, identifying any material
            modifications during the reporting period;

      (d)   A copy of the then-current policies adopted in accordance with this
            LOA, including policies for logical security (Paragraph 9), physical
            security (Paragraph 10), personnel screening (Paragraph 11), incident
            reporting (Paragraph 12), and employee training (Paragraph 13), and a
            summary of any changes during the reporting period and the reasons
            therefore;

      (e)   A summary of any events that occurred during the reporting period
            that will or reasonably could impact the effectiveness of or
            compliance with this LOA; and

      (f)   A summary of any known acts of noncompliance with the terms of
            this LOA that occurred during the reporting period, whether
            inadvertent or intentional, with a discussion of what steps have been
            or will be taken to prevent such acts from occurring in the future.

17.   DHS Consultation and Visitation

      The Licensees agree to meet and confer with DHS and to resolve to the
      satisfaction of DHS any concerns DHS may raise about materials submitted
      pursuant to this LOA.

      The Licensees agree to meet, confer and otherwise attempt in good faith to
      resolve any national security, law enforcement, or public safety concerns
      DHS may raise with respect to any matters set forth in this LOA.

      The Licensees agree that, upon reasonable advance notice, DHS may visit
      any part of the DCI to conduct on-site reviews concerning the
      implementation of the terms of this LOA and the Licensees’ compliance
      with its terms. Subject to applicable law, during such visits, the Licensees
      will cooperate with the requests of DHS to make available information,
      facilities, and personnel to verify compliance with the terms of this LOA.



                                          11


18.   Individual Licensee Responsibility

      Obligations in this LOA relating to a Licensee’s SLTE are assumed by that
      Licensee on an individual basis.


This LOA shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the Licensees
and their successors, assigns, subsidiaries, and affiliates.

Each Licensee agrees that, in the event the commitments set forth in this letter are
breached, in addition to any other remedy available at law or equity, DHS may
request that the FCC modify, condition, revoke, cancel, terminate, or render null
and void any relevant license, permit, or other authorization granted by the FCC
with respect to such Licensee or any successors-in-interest.

If, after this LOA takes effect, DHS or the Licensees believe that changed
circumstances warrant a modification or termination of this LOA (including if
DHS determines that the terms of this LOA are inadequate or no longer necessary
to address national security, law enforcement, or public safety concerns), the
Licensees shall negotiate in good faith with DHS to modify this LOA. Rejection
of a proposed modification alone shall not constitute evidence of a failure to
negotiate in good faith.

Nothing in this LOA is intended to excuse the Licensees from their obligations to
comply with any and all applicable legal requirements and obligations, including
any and all applicable statutes, regulations, requirements, or orders.

The Licensees understand that, promptly upon execution of this letter by an
authorized representative or attorney for the Licensees, DHS shall notify the FCC
that it has no objection to the FCC’s grant of the pending application.




                                          12


 For and on behalf of America Europe Connect 2 USA, Inc. and America Europe
 Connect 2 Limited


Nigel Bayliff
 ______________________________
Nigel Bayliff (Aug 31, 2019)


 Nigel Bayliff, Chief Executive Officer

 America Europe Connect 2 USA, Inc.

 51-54 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
 Tel: +353 1 662 4399
 nbayliff@aquacomms.com




 Nigel Bayliff
 ______________________________
 Nigel Bayliff (Aug 31, 2019)


 Nigel Bayliff, Chief Executive Officer

 America Europe Connect 2 Limited

 51-54 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
 Tel: +353 1 662 4399
 nbayliff@aquacomms.com




                                          13


 For and on behalf of Edge Cable Holdings USA, LLC



Kevin Salvadori
 ______________________________
Kevin Salvadori (Aug 30, 2019)


 Kevin Salvadori, Director

 Edge Cable Holdings USA, LLC

 1 Hacker Way Menlo Park CA 94025, United States
 +16504412382
 ksalvadori@fb.com




                                      14


For and on behalf of GU Holdings Inc.




Austin Schlick
______________________________
Austin Schlick (Sep 1, 2019)




Austin Schlick, President

GU Holdings Inc.

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway Mountain View CA, 94043 United States
+1 (202) 346-1219
schlick@google.com




                                        15


For and on behalf of Optibulk Havfrue AS




______________________________
Nina Bull, VP Legal

Optibulk Havfrue AS

Nina Bull, VP Legal, Bulk Infrastructure AS, Frognerstranda 2, 0250 Oslo,
Norway
+4791519089
nina.bull@bulk.no




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Document Created: 2019-09-11 15:20:17
Document Modified: 2019-09-11 15:20:17

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