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Red Sea Conflict Disrupts Internet Data Flow

Cloud giants face higher costs and seek alternative routes for internet data due to conflict around the Red Sea, a key area for undersea cables.

Over 90% of data traffic between Europe and Asia uses Red Sea cables, near the Bab al-Mandab strait. Houthi control of the Yemeni side raises security concerns.

Companies like Google pay higher prices for backup routes. Google reportedly paid 2-3 times expected costs for Turkish pipeline fiber. Microsoft plans significant Middle East investments.

Google and Meta are rerouting some traffic via an Iraq land route. This is a response to the vulnerability of undersea cables.

Experts warn a single cable cut could take months to repair due to permit and safety needs. Limited repair ships and conflict complicate repairs.

Three Red Sea cables were damaged in 2024, with repairs taking months due to permit delays and safety concerns for vessels.

Cloud companies are exploring land-based backup routes. However, undersea cables remain preferred due to lower costs.

The conflict and instability in Yemen lead cloud providers to increasingly consider risks with current undersea cable infrastructure.

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