The internet, a seemingly intangible network, relies heavily on a very tangible infrastructure – undersea cables. These cables, like the nervous system of the digital world, carry the vast majority of internet traffic between continents. However, a critical chokepoint in this system lies in a region rife with conflict: the Red Sea.
Most internet traffic flowing between Europe and East Asia funnels through the narrow southern end of the Red Sea. This concentration creates a vulnerability, as any disruption in this region can significantly impact internet connectivity for millions of users.
The dangers are twofold. The busy shipping traffic in the Red Sea poses the risk of accidental damage to cables from anchors. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Yemen, involving Iran-backed Houthi rebels, raises concerns about deliberate attacks on this critical infrastructure.
On February 24th, 2024, three submarine internet cables in the Red Sea experienced service disruptions. This outage, while not severe enough to completely disconnect any country, significantly impacted internet speeds in India, Pakistan, and parts of East Africa. The cause remains unclear, with some experts pointing towards a cargo ship recently attacked by Houthis drifting in the area.
Repairing damaged cables is a complex and time-consuming process. Seacom, the owner of one of the affected cables, expects repairs to begin in the second quarter of 2024. However, obtaining permits, navigating regional instability, and unpredictable weather conditions could potentially delay the process further.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen further complicates matters. Companies laying new cables in the region must navigate the complex political landscape, seeking licenses from both the Houthi-controlled west and the internationally recognized government in the east.
The rising costs of operating in the Red Sea threaten the expansion efforts of tech giants like Google and Facebook, whose Blue-Raman and 2Africa cable projects, respectively, pass through the region.
As reliance on the Red Sea becomes increasingly risky, various stakeholders are exploring alternative routes. Building land-based cables through Saudi Arabia could potentially bypass the troubled Yemeni waters. However, high fees and regulatory hurdles often make these alternatives less attractive.
The industry, as Ryan Wopschall of the International Cable Protection Committee highlights, responds to the economic and political realities it faces. While diversifying internet routes would enhance security, the associated costs often lead companies to stick with established, albeit riskier, paths.
