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The Fragile Network: Tonga’s Volcanic Eruption and Its Impact on Internet Connectivity, (from page 20251026.)

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Summary

Sam Vea, a resident of Tofoa in Tonga, experiences an explosion caused by the volcanic eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha‘apai. This eruption ruptures undersea data cables, plunging Tonga into a severe communication blackout. As the eruption sends ash and sediment into the atmosphere, Vea, along with other citizens, grapples with the isolation and disruption caused by the loss of internet connectivity—impacting commerce, communication, and basic daily life. The article discusses the dependency on undersea cables for internet traffic, the logistical challenges faced during the repair process, and the geopolitical implications surrounding these infrastructure networks. Ultimately, the eruption highlights the fragility of global internet infrastructure in the face of natural disasters and human vulnerabilities.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Volcanic Vulnerability of Data Cables The fragility of underwater data cables exposed by volcanic activity in Tonga. Shift from secure underwater cables to a recognition of their vulnerability under geological stress. Increased investment in redundancy and alternative routing for undersea cables and communication systems. Growing awareness of natural disasters’ impacts on global communication networks. 4
Geopolitical Tensions over Subsea Cables Rising tensions between nations like US and China over control of underwater data cables. Transition from common infrastructure to a strategic asset leading to geopolitical conflict. Possible militarization and security measures around subsea cables affecting international relations. Increased reliance on data and communication infrastructure for economic and military power. 5
Cable Repair and Maintenance Challenges Lengthy repair processes for damaged undersea cables highlight systemic vulnerabilities. From reactive to proactive approaches in cable maintenance and emergency response. Implementation of innovative technologies to monitor and repair submarine cables faster and more efficiently. Dependence on uninterrupted internet access for economies and communications worldwide. 5
Economic Dependency on Internet Connectivity Dependence of small economies like Tonga on internet connectivity for communication and commerce. Shift from local economies to global digital economies that require constant connectivity. Emergence of new business models and economic dependencies on reliable internet connectivity. Digital transformation and online commerce becoming crucial for survival of isolated economies. 4
Increased Requirement for Satellite Technology Rising reliance on satellite technology for communication post-cable outages in Tonga. Shift from traditional cable-based communication to satellite infrastructure. Wider adoption of satellite communications as a primary method of connectivity, particularly for remote regions. Challenges posed by natural disasters on existing communication infrastructure. 4
Funding Challenges for Infrastructure Resilience Tonga’s struggle to fund robust data infrastructure post-disaster highlights systemic funding gaps. Awareness of the need for resilient infrastructure amidst climate change and geological risks. Increased international collaboration and funding mechanisms to support vulnerable island nations’ infrastructure. Global emphasis on climate resilience as a priority in international aid. 4

Concerns

name description
Volcanic Eruptions and Infrastructure Vulnerability The eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha‘apai exposed islands’ reliance on fragile internet infrastructure.
Geopolitical Risks to Submarine Cables Tensions between nations, such as the US and China, may threaten the security and maintenance of global data cables.
Corporate Control over Internet Infrastructure The concentration of ownership of undersea cables by a few tech giants poses risks to internet access equity and security.
Natural Disasters Impacting Digital Communication Natural events like earthquakes and land shifts can disrupt vital internet infrastructure, isolating regions like Tonga.
Economic Vulnerability due to Connectivity Loss Loss of internet access can cripple local economies dependent on digital transactions and remittances.
Emerging Technologies and Funding Gaps As reliance on technology like satellites increases, nations must find funding for infrastructure amid economic challenges.
Data Cable Maintenance Neglect Inadequate preparedness for undersea cable maintenance can exacerbate communication breakdowns during disasters.
Environmental Changes Affecting Cable Infrastructure Climate change and environmental shifts may increase the frequency of disruptions to undersea cables and coastal infrastructure.

Behaviors

name description
Heightened awareness of internet dependence The eruption underscored society’s reliance on the internet for basic communication and commerce, emphasizing its centrality in daily life.
Ad-hoc communication initiatives Community members organized makeshift communication systems to relay messages, illustrating grassroots resilience and creativity in crises.
Emergency adaptation to isolation Residents adapted to a lack of internet access by using offline methods like thumb drives to transfer bank data, showcasing ingenuity.
Interest in alternative connectivity solutions The introduction of Starlink terminals reflects a shift towards exploring diverse options for internet connectivity post-disaster.
Public engagement in crisis management Citizens actively sought solutions during outages, indicating a communal approach to managing communication breakdowns.
Increased priority for infrastructure resilience The events led to a reevaluation and prioritization of robust infrastructure like additional data cables to prevent future crises.
Corporate and geopolitical dynamics in internet infrastructure The incident highlighted the growing implications of corporate and geopolitical interests in the management of international data cables.
Normalizing satellite communication for emergencies The reliance on satellite phones during the crisis indicates a behavioral shift towards viewing satellites as a crucial emergency resource.

Technologies

name description
Submarine Data Cables Undersea cables that enable 95% of global internet traffic, connecting continents and countries.
Satellite Internet Resilience Technology like Starlink which provides internet access as a backup when undersea cables fail.
Oceanographic Data Collection Technologies for measuring and analyzing ocean conditions, especially after geological events like eruptions.
Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR) A technology for diagnosing and locating faults in fiber optic cables underwater.
Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) Underwater robots used for inspecting subsea cables and performing repairs.
Data Cable Maintenance Consortiums Collaborative entities ensuring timely repair and maintenance of undersea communication cables.
Corporate & National Cybersecurity Strategies Emerging frameworks focusing on protecting critical infrastructure like subsea cables from geopolitical threats.
Emergency Communication Protocols via Satellite Systems for maintaining communication in disaster scenarios where traditional networks fail.

Issues

name description
Vulnerability of Undersea Cables Undersea cables face risks from natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, posing threats to internet connectivity globally.
Geopolitical Tensions Over Data Infrastructure Competitive geopolitical behaviors threaten the integrity of subsea data cables, impacting international communication and data sovereignty.
Dependence on Internet for Basic Functions Increased society dependence on internet connectivity for commerce, safety, and communication highlights vulnerabilities in crisis situations.
Digital Inequality in Crisis Response Inequities arise in access to communication tools during disasters, leaving remote areas without reliable infrastructure.
Impact of Climate Change on Subsea Infrastructure Climate change affecting marine environments may increase risks to undersea cable systems, exacerbating global connectivity challenges.
Need for Diverse Connectivity Solutions The demand for diversified communication infrastructure is critical for resilience against single points of failure in internet access.
Emergence of Satellite Internet Solutions The rise of satellite internet, exemplified by services like Starlink, may serve as a backup or alternative in connectivity crises.