The Hidden Lifelines: How Submarine Cable Outages Disrupt Global Internet Connectivity

Imagine eagerly tuning in to watch the latest episode of your favourite show, only to be met with a perpetually spinning buffering wheel. Frustrating, isn't it? This exasperating scenario could be caused by a lesser-known culprit lurking beneath the ocean waves: a damaged submarine cable.

Submarine cables are the unsung heroes of the internet, silently carrying vast amounts of data across continents. Yet, like any piece of infrastructure, they are not invincible. Recent outages in countries like Pakistan and Vietnam highlight the fragility of our global internet connectivity due to these undersea disruptions.

The Importance of Submarine Cables

Submarine cables are essentially underwater information highways. These cables, stretching thousands of kilometres, form the backbone of global internet traffic, carrying everything from social media updates to video calls and online transactions. Without them, the seamless connectivity we take for granted would be impossible.

Causes of Submarine Cable Outages

Several factors can lead to submarine cable outages, including:

1. Wear and Tear: Over time, the constant exposure to the elements can cause these cables to deteriorate.
2. Fishing Gear: Fishing trawlers can accidentally snag and damage cables.
3. Ship Anchors: Anchors dragged across the seabed can rip or crush cables.
4. Natural Disasters: Events such as earthquakes or underwater volcanic eruptions can severely disrupt cables.

The Impact of Cable Outages

The impact of a submarine cable outage depends on the location and capacity of the affected cable. Common consequences include:

• Slower Internet Speeds: Reduced bandwidth can slow down internet speeds, especially during peak usage times.
• Difficulty Accessing Certain Websites: Outages can make websites hosted in specific regions unreachable.
• Increased Latency: Delays in data transmission can make activities like online gaming sluggish.

For instance, on June 15, 2024, three of Vietnam's five undersea cables malfunctioned, significantly slowing down internet speeds nationwide. Similarly, parts of Pakistan experienced slower internet due to a fault in the SEA-ME-WE 4 (SMW4) submarine cable.

Duration of Outages

Repair times for damaged cables can vary widely. It can take days or even weeks to locate the problem, dispatch repair ships, and fix the cable. The complexity of repairs is compounded by the need for specialized ships and equipment to handle the deep-sea conditions.

Strategies for Resilience

To mitigate the impact of such outages, countries and ISPs (Internet Service Providers) are adopting several strategies:

1. Investing in New Cables: Building more robust and numerous cables to distribute the traffic load and minimize disruption.
2. Diversifying Internet Routes: Ensuring multiple pathways for data to travel, reducing reliance on a single cable.
3. Developing Alternative Technologies: Exploring options like satellite internet to provide supplementary connectivity.

For example, Vietnam plans to add 60 terabits per second (Tbps) of extra bandwidth through new cables by 2025, aiming to enhance its internet resilience.

What Can You Do?

While individual users cannot prevent submarine cable outages, they can take steps to be prepared:

• Have a Backup Connection: Consider using a mobile hotspot or fixed wireless internet as a temporary solution during outages.
• Monitor Internet Usage: Understanding peak usage times can help in planning activities that require high bandwidth.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates from your internet service provider about outages and repairs.

Conclusion

Submarine cable outages serve as a stark reminder of the complex infrastructure that keeps our world connected. By understanding the causes and consequences of these disruptions, we can be better prepared and advocate for more resilient internet systems. As countries continue to invest in and upgrade their infrastructure, the promise of a more stable and robust internet experience becomes increasingly attainable.

Shakir Bukhari  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1085388718508013/posts/2144093415970866