Early 2022, a subsea internet cable was cut. TBO: “The cable is operated by Space Norway, and also serves the SvalSat park of more than 100 satellite antennas. SvalSat is today the world’s largest commercial ground station with worldwide customers.” Given its purpose, sabotage was likely.
The Barents Observer: “ “The failure did not in any way change the ability to communicate effectively with Svalbard in the same manner as before, but it represented a temporary lack of redundancy,” Head of Infrastructure at Space Norway Dag H Stølan says.”
Hence, redundancy (ie, overcapacity) is not only a tool during a peak demand in available capacity, but also a strategic strength against (military) sabotage.
Cables might suggest two-way communication. However, (most) communication is used through networks, in particular a telecommunications network. Any network is a strength despite its apparent fragility.
Several articles claim that some superpowers are interested in an internet blackout. Those parties have opted to ringfence their domestic internet, which also prevents their citizens from reading Western sources.
Interestingly, those superpowers rejoiced the recent 2024 CrowdStrike incident for several reasons: (1) American failure, (2) no disruptions in China and Russia, (3) ringfencing is operational. Sources: BBC, SCMP, Reuters, NYT.
On 24 June 2024, “a Russian-linked hacker group called BlackSuit” hacked CDK Global, a key player in the American automotive industry. Reuters, 24 June: “Hack sends U.S. dealers back to Paper Age”. June 24 might be meaningful.

I suppose my latter remark will prevent us from a global internet blackout.
Blackout (1982) by the Scorpions (live in 1989)
band, lyrics, video, Wiki-band, Wiki-album+song
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise.
0 Comments