Japanese conglomerate SoftBank announced it is working with Meta, IPS, TM Technology Services Sdn, and PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera to build a new international submarine cable system called Candle.
The 8,000-kilometer cable will connect Japan with Singapore.
NEC Corporation has been chosen as the system supplier.
The Candle cable, linking Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, is expected to start operating in 2028.
Building the Candle submarine cable system will expand infrastructure and provide backup routes to handle the growing demand for data caused by 5G and generative AI.
The Candle submarine cable system will use a 24 fiber pair design. Most current submarine cables usually have 16 to 20 fiber pairs.
Using 24 fiber pairs will allow for higher-capacity and faster communications, helping meet the rising demand for connectivity across Asia.
“Candle represents a pivotal advancement in fortifying the region’s digital infrastructure. As the need for robust, high-speed connectivity grows, Candle will deliver greater network diversity and resilience along this essential corridor, leveraging state-of-the-art technology. This milestone reflects the deep collaboration among our partners and underscores our shared commitment to advancing digital inclusion and economic opportunity for over half a billion people in the Asia-Pacific region,” said chairperson of the Candle management committee, Don Pang (Meta).
As the main landing partner in Japan, SoftBank will provide its “SoftBank Maruyama Landing Station” in Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture. SoftBank is also working to build new cable landing stations in Hokkaido (Tomakomai City) and Kyushu (Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture) to ensure geographic diversity and stronger network reliability.
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