FINAL WORD
Historical precedent points to the possibility of simultaneous failures , driven by factors beyond our control . The Carrington Event of 1859 , named after Richard Carrington , the astronomer who first recorded a solar storm-induced catastrophe , offers a sobering analogy . The same electromagnetic vulnerabilities that rendered telegraph systems inoperable during that event apply to our undersea Internet cables .
Could a global-scale solar storm render entire cable systems useless , disrupting communications on an unprecedented scale ?
Paul Colmer , EXCO Member at Wireless Access
Providers Association
might experience slight fluctuations , maintaining connectivity in the face of disruption is a priority that outweighs minor inconveniences .
However , the quest for absolute resilience comes with a cost . Society ’ s insatiable hunger for guaranteed high-speed Internet at minimal expense poses a challenge . Creating a fully foolproof system necessitates investments that the general public might not be willing to make .
Striking the balance between cost and reliability demands a concerted effort , one that hinges on acknowledging the intricate interplay of economics and digital sustainability .
While these recent incidents serve as stark warnings , it is vital to recognise the potential for even graver disruptions .
The sudden downtime of WACS and SAT-3 has sent shockwaves through the technology landscape . While SAT-3 carries a modest 800 gigabits per second of traffic , WACS carries a colossal 14.5 Terabits per second .
As South Africa grapples with the fragility of its undersea Internet cables , the time for action is now . As an industry we should be anticipating and mitigating potential disruptions . It is imperative that we rethink the very design of these cables and the electronic repeaters that power them exploring innovations that could bolster their resilience .
Grounding cables on the seabed and developing technologies that can withstand solar storm-induced disruptions are both avenues worth exploring .
In a world where connectivity is paramount , South Africa ’ s dependence on undersea Internet cables demands a robust and forward-thinking strategy . Embracing redundancy , diversification , and innovative technologies can pave the way for a more resilient digital landscape . The challenges are substantial , but the potential rewards , uninterrupted connectivity , even in the face of catastrophe , are undeniably worth pursuing .
Wireless Access Providers Association , WAPA , established in 2006 , is a non-profit trade association acting as a collective voice for the wireless industry . WAPA ’ s primary objective is to promote the growth of the wireless industry by facilitating self-regulation , promoting best practices , and educating both members and the market about new wireless technologies and business models .
WAPA offers its members regulatory advice , technical training , a code of conduct , a forum for knowledgesharing and business-enablement opportunities .
WAPA is positioned to be an interface between the government regulator , ICASA , network operators , service providers , and consumers . WAPA regularly makes submissions and presentations to the government on regulations affecting the wireless industry .
WAPA is tirelessly lobbying for more progressive and efficient spectrum management in South Africa and is focusing on the possibilities of dynamic unlicensed spectrum for interference-free access . p
76 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com