Microsoft said on Saturday that its Azure cloud platform is experiencing higher latency after multiple undersea fibre cables were cut in the Red Sea. The company stated that while services continue to be online, customers whose data usually passes through Middle East routes could experience slower performance.
In a system update, Microsoft explained, “We don’t expect higher latency on some traffic that earlier traversed through the Middle East. Network traffic that does not traverse through the Middle East is not affected. We’ll continue to provide daily updates, or sooner if conditions change.’’ This statement was posted on Microsoft’s official Azure status page.
Microsoft reroutes data flows
To address the issue, Azure engineers have rerouted data traffic through alternative paths. According to a Reuters report, the world’s second-largest cloud provider, after Amazon Web Services (AWS), is working to reduce the impact on consumers, but rerouting can still result in congestion in other regions.
Repairing subsea cables is a time-consuming process that requires specialised vessels, cooperation from regional authorities, and precise technical expertise. In politically sensitive waters like the Red Sea, delays are common, meaning a full fix may be expected to take weeks.
Importance of the Red Sea Internet networks
According to Newsweek, the Red Sea is one of the world’s most significant digital corridors and carries up to 20% of the global Internet traffic. Any disruption has wide-reaching consequences; it will not only slow down connectivity in the Middle East but also affect parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Microsoft underlined that it is coordinating with regional operators to stabilise services and will continue to issue regular updates on the matter. While Azure customers outside the affected routes are unlikely to face changes, those in Asia, parts of Europe, and the Middle East will continue to experience delays until the repairs are completed.
