In recent weeks, Eastern Africa’s digital infrastructure faced significant setbacks due to disruptions in submarine cable connectivity. These cables, which are crucial arteries for data flow both within and beyond the continent, encountered issues that rippled through various sectors, underlining the delicate nature of our globalized connectivity.
The sudden and unexpected cable faults affected businesses at multiple levels, particularly their cloud-based operations and other digital services. This resulted in slower internet speeds, increased latency and for SME businesses, complete outages. The dependency on seamless internet connectivity is particularly acute in today’s business environment where cloud-based tools underpin everything from customer relationship management to real-time data analysis and remote working solutions.
For companies, the immediate impact was tangible. Operations slowed, communication with clients became strained, and productivity took a hit. This scenario not only highlighted the vulnerabilities inherent in the global internet infrastructure but also sparked conversations about the need for robust disaster recovery strategies.
Traditionally, businesses have relied on redundancy—having backup cables or alternate data pathways—as a safeguard against such failures. However, the scale and impact of the recent disruptions have exposed the limitations of this approach. Simply having backups is not enough if those backups do not guarantee uptime during critical periods. This has led businesses to explore alternative technologies and strategies to bolster their resilience against similar incidents in the future.
Are there Strategically viable alternatives?
One increasingly considered option is satellite communication technology. Once seen as a costly and less efficient alternative to terrestrial connectivity, advancements in satellite technology have made it a more viable solution. Solutions like SpaceX, with their Starlink satellite internet service, are promising enhanced connectivity that can serve as a reliable backup during submarine cable outages. Satellite internet doesn’t require underground cables and thus remains unaffected by terrestrial disruptions, offering a strategic advantage in maintaining continuous operations.
Another approach is the use of microwave transmission technologies. Though they have limitations in range and are susceptible to environmental interferences, microwave links can provide high-speed data transmission that serves as an effective interim solution when traditional cables fail. The technology is already in use in various regions where laying cables is not feasible due to geographical or political reasons, and can be a part of a multi-layered disaster recovery strategy.
Moreover, diversifying the routes of submarine cables and ensuring that they do not all pass through similar corridors is another strategic consideration. By having geographically dispersed routes, businesses can reduce the risk of a single event affecting multiple lines, thus ensuring better reliability and service continuity.
On a strategic level, the recent disruptions serve as a critical wake-up call for businesses to reassess their existing disaster recovery plans. There is a growing recognition that effective disaster recovery requires more than just backup systems—it needs a proactive approach to IT infrastructure management. This includes investing in advanced monitoring systems that can detect potential failures before they result in actual disruptions. Regular audits and updates of the IT infrastructure to cope with new types of threats and scaling demands are also vital.
Equally important is the human element of disaster recovery. Training employees on the potential impacts of such disruptions and effective response measures can significantly mitigate the adverse effects on operations. An informed and prepared team can execute continuity plans smoothly and ensure that the business remains functional, regardless of the challenges faced.
As businesses continue to navigate through these challenges, the lessons learned from the recent submarine cable disruptions are clear. The need for robust, adaptable recovery strategies is paramount. Embracing new technologies, diversifying connectivity options, and fostering a culture of resilience will not only protect businesses from future disruptions but also provide them with a competitive edge in the interconnected global marketplace.