What caused the majority of internet disruptions in 2025?

Most internet disruptions in 2025 stemmed from routine operational issues, including electricity failures, extreme weather, physical cable damage, and internal technical faults, rather than deliberate restrictions.

Which countries experienced significant internet outages due to power issues in 2025?

The Dominican Republic experienced a nationwide blackout due to a transmission line fault, Kenya faced reduced connectivity from regional power instability, and Ukraine saw outages from drone strikes on energy facilities.

How did extreme weather impact internet connectivity in 2025?

Extreme weather events like Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and Cyclone Senyar in Sri Lanka and Indonesia caused severe internet traffic losses and suppressed connectivity for extended periods due to infrastructure damage.

Home / Technology / Fragile Power Grids Cripple Global Internet Access

Fragile Power Grids Cripple Global Internet Access

31 Jan

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Summary

Over 180 major internet disruptions occurred in 2025 globally.
Electricity failures and extreme weather caused significant outages.
Routine technical faults and fiber cuts strained connectivity.

Fragile Power Grids Cripple Global Internet Access

Internet connectivity in 2025 was frequently disrupted by minor physical issues, with over 180 major incidents recorded globally. These disruptions affected both developing and advanced networks, highlighting vulnerabilities in existing infrastructure.

Electricity failures were a recurring cause, leading to significant internet downtime. Examples include a transmission line fault in the Dominican Republic causing a nationwide blackout and instability on Kenya's regional power interconnection impacting connectivity. Drone strikes damaged energy facilities in Ukraine, causing local outages.

Extreme weather also played a significant role. Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and Cyclone Senyar impacting Sri Lanka and Indonesia resulted in severe traffic losses. Physical damage to international fiber optic cables further strained connectivity in countries like Haiti, Pakistan, and Cameroon.