Optical & Fixed Networks

Softbank, Meta plan to light “Candle” connecting Japan and SEA

Softbank, Meta plan to light “Candle” connecting Japan and SEA

Japan’s SoftBank announced on Monday that it has formed a consortium with Meta, IPS, Telekom Malaysia and XLSmart to develop a new subsea cable system connecting Japan and Singapore, with several other stops in Southeast Asia.

The “Candle” system will span 8,000 km from Marumaya, Japan to Changi North in Singapore. Landing stations are also planned for Indonesia (Batam), Malaysia (Tj Sidili) and the Philippines (Baler and Nasugbu), as well as Taiwan (Toucheng).

Softbank said the Candle subsea cable will sport a 24 fibre-pair configuration that will the system the high capacity and low latency needed to meet the increasing demand for data communications driven by 5G and generative AI in Asia-Pacific.

"With the rapid advancement of generative AI and IoT, the demand for international telecommunications is expected to continue accelerating,” said Kimimasa Kudo, VP and head of the enterprise unit of SoftBank’s global business division, adding that Candle’s adopts 24 fibre-pair architecture makes it “one of the core foundations of next-generation social infrastructure that SoftBank is promoting.”

The cable will also add more redundancy along the Japan-Singapore route, said Meta’s Don Pang, who is also chair of the Candle Management Committee.

“Candle represents a pivotal advancement in fortifying the region's digital infrastructure.” Pang said. “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.”

NEC has been contracted as the system supplier. The Candle system is scheduled to be ready for service in 2028.

 



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