Satellites and mobile phones, built on international standards, help the world get connected. But the communications technology we use on land does not work well underwater. As water covers over 70 per cent of the earth's surface, NATO has sponsored research into establishing the first ever digital underwater communications standard.

The NATO STO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) located in La Spezia, Italy, has developed a standard for underwater acoustic communications known as JANUS. Janus is now recognised as a NATO standard by all NATO Allies.

This marks the first time ever for a digital underwater communication protocol to be acknowledged at an international level and opens the way to develop many exciting underwater communication applications.

Click here to download the media package, including BROLL, soundbites from experts, infographic and pictures.

For further information, please visit the NATO website or contact the CMRE.