Why Internet Traffic Takes the Long Way: Kazakhstan to Samoa via Atlanta

When a digital signal is sent from Almaty to Samoa, it could theoretically traverse 12,776 kilometers in a straight line via submarine cables and terrestrial backbones, reaching the recipient almost instantly. However, the reality of internet packet routing is often far from ideal. GeoCables recorded an unusual case: the traffic not only avoided a direct route but also deviated by 10,620 kilometers from the shortest trajectory, reaching Atlanta, USA, before returning to Samoa. As a result, the packet delivery time (RTT) amounted to 457 milliseconds, nearly four times the theoretical minimum of 128 milliseconds.

Why was the route so convoluted?

Major transit operators played a key role in this journey: Arelion (formerly Telia Carrier), Signal Telecom, and Vodafone Samoa. Arelion, one of the world’s largest providers, facilitates traffic transit through its points of presence in key cities such as Paris and Atlanta. Signal Telecom operates as a local provider in Almaty, while Vodafone Samoa completes the traffic delivery to Samoa.

The reason for the complex route lies in the economics of peering and transit. Direct connections between Kazakhstan and Samoa are absent, forcing traffic to pass through major data exchange points in Europe and North America. Paris and Atlanta are critical hubs where providers exchange data, minimizing costs for direct connections between geographically distant regions. However, this approach increases packet travel time, especially for users in remote areas.

Practical implications for users

For end users, such delays can be critical. For instance, in video calls, a delay of 457 milliseconds can cause noticeable pauses and degrade call quality. In online gaming, where every millisecond counts, high ping results in "lag," making gameplay unsatisfactory. In high-frequency trading, where data processing speed determines the success of transactions, such delays can be unacceptable. Even cloud services, such as data storage or working with remote applications, become less convenient due to slow response times.

These delays highlight the importance of optimizing routing paths and expanding infrastructure to ensure smoother and faster data transmission. As more users rely on digital services for work, education, and entertainment, the demand for low-latency networks continues to grow. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between governments, private companies, and international organizations to build more direct and efficient connections.

Infrastructure reasons: why does traffic "go the wrong way"?

The routing situation between Kazakhstan and Samoa highlights the importance of global data transmission infrastructure. Major traffic exchange points and submarine cables have historically been concentrated in North America and Europe. This creates dependencies for countries located far from these centers, forcing traffic to travel through long, sometimes illogical routes.

In this case, the lack of direct cable connections between Central Asia and Oceania compels data to pass through Europe and the USA. For example, Arelion cables connecting Paris and Atlanta provide high bandwidth, but their use increases distance and latency. A similar situation is observed in other regions with underdeveloped local infrastructure. The absence of regional hubs in Central Asia and Oceania exacerbates the problem, leaving users in these areas reliant on distant exchange points for their internet traffic.

Efforts to address these challenges include the construction of new submarine cables and terrestrial fiber networks. Projects aimed at linking underserved regions directly to global hubs can significantly reduce latency and improve the quality of internet services. For instance, initiatives to connect Central Asia to Southeast Asia or Oceania via new routes could alleviate the reliance on transatlantic and transpacific pathways.

Real events: earthquakes and their impact

Interestingly, several earthquakes recently occurred near the route through which the traffic was transmitted. GeoCables recorded tremors with magnitudes ranging from 4.6 to 5.1 in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and China. For instance, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 occurred on June 3, 2026, 76 kilometers south of Daroot-Korgon, Kyrgyzstan, just 623 kilometers from Almaty. However, our data shows that these events are unrelated to the observed detour. The reason for the deviation lies solely in routing specifics and the absence of direct connections.

Nevertheless, such events illustrate the fragility of infrastructure in the region. In the event of cable damage or power outages caused by natural disasters, the routing situation could become even more complicated. GeoCables continuously monitors seismic activity and its potential impact on submarine and terrestrial cable systems. Proactive measures, such as building redundant paths and reinforcing critical infrastructure, are essential to ensure network resilience in regions prone to natural disasters.

Conclusion

This case is a vivid example of how global internet infrastructure affects users' everyday experiences. GeoCables continues to monitor and analyze data transmission routes, emphasizing the importance of optimizing peering and expanding direct connections between regions. Only by doing so can delays be reduced and access to digital services improved for all users, regardless of their geographic location.

The development of new infrastructure, combined with strategic partnerships between operators, can help bridge the digital divide and create a more interconnected world. By addressing the challenges of routing inefficiencies, the global community can ensure that even the most remote regions benefit from fast, reliable, and affordable internet access.