How a subsea cable break caused Africa’s internet outage

A widespread internet outage affected numerous countries across Africa, leaving millions of people without connectivity for several hours. The cause of this outage was finally revealed by MainOne, a leading provider of telecommunications services in West Africa.

According to their investigation, the root of the problem was a subsea cable break off the coast of Portugal. This incident highlights the vulnerability of Africa’s internet infrastructure and the potential impact of such failures on businesses, governments, and individuals who rely heavily on internet connectivity.

The recent internet outage that hit West and Central Africa has been attributed to a break in MainOne’s submarine cable system. MainOne, a data center and connectivity provider owned by Equinix, has confirmed that the outage was caused by an “external incident” that resulted in a cut to its cable system in the Atlantic Ocean, offshore Cote D’Ivoire along the coast of West Africa. The company has ruled out human activity as a cause of the break.

The internet outage had a significant impact on the region, with operators of multiple subsea cables reporting failures. MainOne has stated that preliminary analysis suggests that some form of seismic activity on the seabed caused the break in the cable. The company expects to obtain more data on the incident when the cable is retrieved during the repair process.

One of the factors that ruled out human activity as a potential cause is the distance from land. The cable is located approximately 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) deep at the point of the fault, making it unlikely for any human activities such as ship anchors, fishing, or drilling to have caused the break.

MainOne operates in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote D’Ivoire, according to its website. The company’s presence in these regions highlights the significance of the internet outage in West and Central Africa. In today’s interconnected world, reliable internet connectivity is crucial for various sectors, including business, education, and healthcare. Any interruption can have far-reaching consequences for individuals, organizations, and even the economy.

Subsea cables play a critical role in providing internet connectivity to various regions across the globe. These cables, which are laid on the seabed, enable the transmission of large amounts of data over long distances. They are essential for international communication and facilitate the seamless exchange of information between continents.

However, the reliance on subsea cables also poses certain vulnerabilities. Any damage to these cables can disrupt internet connectivity and cause widespread outages. The recent incident in West and Central Africa serves as a reminder of how a single point of failure, such as a cable break, can have a significant impact on an entire region’s internet infrastructure.

To mitigate such risks, companies and organizations involved in the operation and maintenance of subsea cables deploy various strategies. Regular monitoring and maintenance of these cables are essential to identify any potential issues and address them promptly. In addition, measures are taken to ensure the resilience and redundancy of the cable network, such as diversifying routes and implementing backup systems.

Efforts are also made to enhance the speed and efficiency of repairs in the event of a cable break. Specialized vessels equipped with cutting-edge technology are deployed to locate and repair the damaged cable quickly.

These repair operations are complex and require skilled technicians, as well as coordination between various stakeholders, including cable operators, telecommunications companies, and local authorities.

Despite the challenges involved, the repair of subsea cables is a priority for companies like MainOne. The restoration of internet connectivity is crucial for the affected regions, as well as for the global economy.