🌍 Undersea Cables: A Global Internet Crisis 📉

Tech & Science

Big tech companies like Meta and Google are facing significant delays in their ambitious plans to lay new undersea fiber cables, a situation underscored by a confluence of operational, regulatory, and geopolitical risks. A Meta spokesperson attributed these hold-ups, particularly concerning the 2Africa project – an initiative designed to deliver fiber internet to Africa while simultaneously connecting Europe and Asia – to a “range of operational factors, regulatory concerns, and geopolitical risk,” with construction in the southern Red Sea region stalled due to ongoing regional conflicts and difficulties securing necessary permits. Simultaneously, Google’s Blue-Raman intercontinental cable system, initially slated for launch in 2024, is also delayed. This system, designed to connect countries like France, Italy, India, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, has been impacted by repeated missile attacks, allegedly by the Iran-backed Houthis, forcing construction teams to take lengthy detours and disrupting progress. These disruptions highlight the vulnerability of such projects to external threats. Consequently, companies are unable to utilize these cables to send data and are forced to rely on alternative systems to meet immediate needs. Despite these challenges in the Red Sea, both Google and Meta are moving forward with other undersea projects; Google is building a cable connecting Togo to Europe, while Meta is constructing a massive system spanning five continents – one that, crucially, does not cross the Red Sea. Ultimately, while undersea cables offer a fantastic way to expand global internet access, they’re not without their challenges, including the risk of damage from natural disasters, severe weather, and human activities.