Could the internet survive a major solar storm?

Yes — the internet could survive a major solar storm, but it could be seriously disrupted.

A total global "internet apocalypse" is unlikely, because much of the internet is built on terrestrial fiber, which is not directly affected by geomagnetic storms. However, a severe storm could still cause major outages by knocking out power grids, damaging transformers, disrupting satellite systems, and affecting some parts of long-distance communications.

The main risks are:

• Power grid failures: A strong solar storm can induce currents in power lines and damage transformers. If blackouts are widespread or last long enough, local internet service, cell networks, and data centers can go down once backup power runs out. Many data centers have backup generators, but those are generally limited in duration.
• Undersea cables and international links: The fiber itself is mostly immune, but the cable systems depend on powered repeaters and shore infrastructure. A major storm could disrupt some intercontinental connections.
• Satellites: Solar storms can damage satellite electronics and increase atmospheric drag on low-Earth-orbit satellites, which can degrade satellite internet, navigation, and timing services.
• Network infrastructure: Even where the physical cables survive, routers, exchanges, and access equipment can fail if they lose power or are damaged indirectly.

So the likely outcome is not total collapse of the internet worldwide, but severe, possibly prolonged regional and international disruptions — especially if the storm also causes widespread power outages. Exact impacts would depend on the strength of the storm and how much grid and communications infrastructure is affected.