Current fiber optic cables transmit signals at 2/3rds the speed of light. Modeling has shown that starlink's laser backbone would allow it to beat deep-sea cables in some situations. This article estimates a NYSE -> FTSE reduction from 76ms to 43ms. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that there is a HFT bidding war going on.
There is a newer version of fiber optic cable that uses a hollow core. Testing has shown it transmits signals at nearly the speed of light. It is very difficult to produce at scale and will require a generational shift to deploy.
https://archmeregreenarch.org/1456/news/starlink-and-the-ris...
There is a newer version of fiber optic cable that uses a hollow core. Testing has shown it transmits signals at nearly the speed of light. It is very difficult to produce at scale and will require a generational shift to deploy.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-19910-7