UAE internet outage could Starlink be a backup is the question many are asking after recent connectivity problems. Over the weekend, undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea disrupted internet services across the Middle East and Asia. Users in the UAE reported slow speeds and intermittent access, though services improved by Sunday.
The issue was linked to failures in the SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems near Jeddah. These cables connect Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Experts say damage to undersea cables can be caused by anchors or even deliberate attacks. The event shows how fragile global internet systems are.
With the UAE internet outage, Starlink and other satellite services are being seen as possible solutions. The country’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) is working on new rules to allow licensed providers like Starlink to operate. Already available in Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and Yemen, Starlink offers high-speed connectivity, especially in remote areas.
Experts believe Starlink could supplement fiber networks during disruptions. Its low-Earth orbit satellites provide faster speeds than traditional satellite systems. However, they cannot fully replace undersea cables due to limited capacity. Still, Starlink and projects like Amazon’s Kuiper or SES’s O3b M-POWER could ease the pressure during outages.
Real cases prove this. In Tonga and South Africa, Starlink kept users online when undersea cables failed. The Red Sea corridor, however, remains one of the world’s most fragile digital routes.
UAE internet outage could Starlink be a backup highlights the need for diverse networks to keep the country connected.
