Global tech giant Microsoft stated on Sunday that network traffic for its Azure cloud computing platform was experiencing increased delays in parts of Middle East due to “undersea fiber cuts” in the Red Sea. They were unclear about the cuts to submarine lines, but noted that their network had been affected since Saturday.
The company registered a statement, “Network traffic that does not traverse through the Middle East is not impacted.”
A series of submarine cables outages in Red Sea has affected the internet connectivity in several countries, including Pakistan and India, the internet access monitoring organization, Net Blocks noted.
The laying and operation of underwater cables have long been the preserve of a consortium of large telecoms operators, but internet giants have largely taken over in recent years as they strive to keep up with ballooning flows of data.
About 1.4 million kilometers (nearly 900,000 miles) of fiber optic cables are laid on the ocean floor, enabling the provision of essential services such as trade, financial transactions, public services, digital health and education around the world.
Damage to submarine cables is a usual dilemma.
According to International Cable Protection Committee, an average of 150 to 200 outages occurs per year worldwide, or around three incidents a week. Fishing and anchoring are believed to be responsible for vast majority of recorded damage to the lines.
Natural hazards to the cables also include ageing, abrasions and equipment failure.
Author: Hamza Rehman
Date: 8 sept, 2025
