The global Internet infrastructure, crucial for connecting continents, faces unique and extraordinary threats that periodically affect the continuity of service worldwide. Submarine cables, essential for international communications, are impacted by incidents ranging from inadvertent human activity to the curiosity of marine life.
In 2008, an incorrect anchoring near the coasts of Egypt became a landmark case as it severed several fiber optic submarine cables and caused a massive internet service interruption that affected multiple countries in the Middle East and South Asia. This incident highlighted the fragility of a network that many consider omnipresent and resilient.
More recently, in March 2021, the world witnessed how a container ship, the Ever Given, became stuck in the Suez Canal. This blockage not only disrupted global logistics but also reportedly damaged nearby fiber optic cables, once again emphasizing the interdependence of our maritime and digital infrastructures.
But it’s not just human errors that jeopardize these vital connections. Nature itself presents its challenges. Interestingly, sharks have been identified as a threat to submarine cables. Attracted by the electromagnetic signals emitted by these cables, similar to those emitted by their natural prey, sharks have been observed biting these data conduits, although such incidents are rare, the possibility alone has led some service providers to reinforce their cables with additional protective layers.
Meanwhile, on land, construction and urban development activities without due diligence can also lead to significant cuts. From Bangalore to London, underground cables are susceptible to damage by heavy machinery, often resulting in disruptive service interruptions for businesses and consumers alike.
This landscape constantly challenges internet and telecommunications service providers to seek improvements in network infrastructure resilience. The need to protect these cables is imperative, given their importance for the global economy and interpersonal connectivity.
Ultimately, the disruption of internet connectivity reveals the complexity and vulnerability of our globalized infrastructure. From sharks to ships, each incident is a reminder of the need for greater attention, innovation, and regulation to protect the resources that sustain our global connectivity.