Why Doesn't AWS Provide Ubuntu Port Mirrors for Graviton Inside AWS?

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If you’re experiencing slow package downloads or high latency when updating Ubuntu on AWS, you’re not alone. Many users face this issue because AWS doesn’t directly host or manage the official Ubuntu repositories, especially the ARM64 or Graviton-specific ports. These ports are operated by Canonical, so AWS cannot just mirror or host them without coordinating with Canonical first.

For x86 systems, Ubuntu images usually connect to regional mirrors or content delivery networks (CDNs) that are closer to AWS data centers, helping reduce download times. But for ARM-based installations like Graviton, there are fewer mirror locations globally, which can cause noticeable delays, especially in regions like Asia-Pacific.

The good news is there are some practical solutions to reduce this latency. One effective method is setting up a caching proxy within your Virtual Private Cloud (VPC). Tools like apt-cacher-ng can cache packages locally, speeding up recurring installations. Alternatively, you can create a small private mirror using tools like apt-mirror and synchronize it with your region’s S3 bucket, then distribute via CloudFront for faster access.

While these options aren’t perfect and do require some setup, they can dramatically improve package download speeds and make your automation pipelines smoother. Since Graviton adoption is growing quickly, sharing your feedback directly with Canonical can also help push for better regional mirror support.

Thanks for highlighting this issue—it’s a valid concern, and fixing it will benefit many users.