Telecommunications providers are now looking to the sky for connectivity after four underwater cables were damaged in the Red Sea. Satellite operators are using their space-based connections to reroute internet traffic, suggesting a hybrid system combining underwater and orbiting internet may be the best way forward.
Earlier this week, four of 15 communications cables were severed, disrupting network traffic across the Red Sea.According to Hong Kong telecom companies, damaged cables affected 25% of traffic between Asia, Europe and the Middle East HGC Global Telecom. The cause of the damage remains unclear and the company is working to repair it, calling the occurrence “extremely rare.”Although Hutchison Global Crossing did not disclose the cause of the cable damage, a spokesman for the National Security Council accuse It rests on the anchor of a cargo ship sunk by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.However, the Houthis issued a statement Denies its involvement.
Regardless of the cause, satellite companies have stepped up to beam connections from space to reroute some of the affected traffic. Satellite operators such as Intelsat are providing backup connections to fill the gap if cables break, SpaceNews says report.
Intelsat operates a fleet of 52 communications satellites in orbit, providing broadband Internet and in-flight connectivity to airline passengers. Other companies, such as Eutelsat OneWeb, SES, and, more famously, SpaceX, are also in the business of transmitting connections from Earth orbit.
The recent event, while rare, does provide a glimpse into what a hybrid connectivity solution could look like, delivering internet via underwater cables and orbiting satellites. Rhys Morgan, regional vice president at Intelsat, told SpaceNews that if there is a problem with a terrestrial provider, subsea customers or those getting internet from both ends can be connected within 15 minutes.
It’s unclear how long it will take to repair the underwater cables, but experts Tell CNN could take up to eight weeks. During that time, satellites will fill in the gaps, and they may still be useful even if emergency intervention is not required.
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