International submarine cable outages have created significant disruptions to internet connectivity for users across Vietnam as several key cables face faults, leaving users struggling with slower internet speeds and reduced capacity.
The issues primarily stem from problems identified with the IA and APG submarine cables, which connect Vietnam to regional hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore. On December 26, 2024, the IA cable encountered significant problems. Reports indicated complete loss of capacity for the segment connecting Vietnam to Singapore and Hong Kong, prompting immediate investigations from Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
According to SGTT, the fault on the IA submarine cable particularly hampered the quality of internet services and was still unresolved as of the first week of January 2025. By December 31, 2024, repairs on another cable, AAE-1, were completed, restoring some connectivity to Hong Kong and Singapore. The timeline reflects the continuous struggle of ISPs to maintain reliable international internet service amid technical challenges.
Meanwhile, repair efforts on the APG cable also revealed significant challenges. ISP representatives confirmed outages on two specific branches, S1.9 and S8: the latter connecting to Malaysia and the former to Thailand. Repairs for S8 were anticipated from January 6 to January 10, 2025, but as of the latest reports, there remained uncertainty about the timeline for fixing branch S1.9, reflecting the often prolonged nature of repairs needed for underwater cable systems.
This string of outages is not uncommon; by the end of 2023, Vietnam experienced severe disruptions caused by faults on multiple international cables, which compromised not just speed but overall connectivity. The continuous downtimes can severely impact various internet-related activities, from business operations to everyday communications, painting the picture of vulnerabilities within Vietnam's digital infrastructure.
For the Vietnamese government and telecommunications authorities, these outages are seen as challenges to their strategic goals. Launched as part of Vietnam's new infrastructural strategy announced mid-2024, the introduction of more submarine cables has become urgent. By 2025, authorities aim to bring at least two new cables online as part of initiatives to expand capacity and resilience of the country's internet infrastructure.
The overarching strategy highlights ambitions to add at least eight more cable systems by 2030. Such developments could bolster Vietnam's international internet connectivity and mitigate the impacts of unforeseen outages by diversifying access points.
The persistent focus on bandwidth expansion reflects Vietnam’s growing reliance on fast and stable internet connectivity as its economy becomes increasingly digital. The government recognizes the importance of solidifying infrastructure to support various sectors, educate future generations, and accommodate the demand for faster communication technologies.
While repairs continue and future expansions are planned, the current outages serve as both alert and motivator for Vietnamese authorities, urging tighter collaborations with international partners to strengthen networks against such unavoidable hurdles.