SoftBank Corp., a key member of the E2A Consortium, has announced the commencement of construction for the E2A submarine cable system, a state-of-the-art fiber optic network linking Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the United States.
The consortium has selected Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) to deploy the approximately 12,500-kilometer transpacific cable, designed to significantly bolster digital connectivity between Asia and North America. This initiative addresses the escalating demand for high-capacity, low-latency infrastructure driven by the proliferation of cloud computing, data processing, and next-generation mobile networks.
The E2A cable system will establish crucial connections between key digital hubs, with landing points in Maruyama (Chiba, Japan), Toucheng (Taiwan), Busan (South Korea), and Morro Bay (California, USA). This infrastructure will serve as a robust backbone for artificial intelligence (AI) applications, data centers, and cloud services, ensuring rapid and reliable connectivity across the Pacific and within Asia.
Leveraging cutting-edge submarine network technology, the E2A cable will feature 12 fiber pairs delivering over 192 Tbps of capacity, an open cable system architecture for enhanced scalability and multi-operator connectivity, 18 kV power-feeding technology for optimized efficiency, and minimized latency for next-generation computing and digital services. The system is projected to be ready for service in the second half of 2028, significantly expanding digital capabilities across the Pacific.
SoftBank Corp., as the Japan landing station for E2A, will utilize its SoftBank Maruyama Landing Station in Minamiboso-City, Chiba Prefecture, a strategic hub for multiple submarine cables, including JUPITER and ADC. SoftBank aims to build robust, global platforms essential for the AI era by developing infrastructure for international submarine cables connecting Japan, the United States, and other key Asian regions.
“We are excited to commence the E2A project, a new submarine cable connecting East Asia and the United States,” stated Teruyuki Oya, Vice President, Head of the Mobile and Network Division, Technology Unit, SoftBank Corp. “As AI becomes increasingly prevalent, the importance of international submarine cables as information highways is growing. SoftBank is committed to developing global, stable platforms for the AI era.”
SoftBank Corp. reaffirms its commitment to delivering reliable services that meet the growing global mobile network demands, contributing to the advancement of the telecommunications industry by serving as a pivotal hub for international submarine cables in Japan.
