SoftBank Corp., a member of the E2A Consortium, will begin constructing a new submarine cable system called E2A. This system will connect Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the United States.
The consortium has selected Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) to build this advanced transpacific fiber optic network, spanning approximately 12,50 km. The goal is to greatly improve digital connectivity between Asia and North America.
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Due to the increasing demand for cloud computing, data processing, and next-generation mobile networks, there is a greater need for high-capacity, low-latency infrastructure. The E2A project signifies an advancement in global communications, offering exceptional performance, scalability, and reliability, while also incorporating sustainable design principles.
The E2A submarine cable system will link key digital hubs in Asia and North America, with landing points in Maruyama (Chiba, Japan), Toucheng (Taiwan), Busan (South Korea), and Morro Bay (California, USA). This system will serve as a strong backbone for artificial intelligence (AI) applications, data centers, and cloud services, ensuring fast connectivity across the Pacific and within Asia.
The E2A cable will feature the latest submarine network technology, including 12 fiber pairs delivering over 192 Tbps of capacity, an open cable system architecture for scalability and multi-operator connectivity, 18 kV of power-feeding technology for efficiency, and optimized latency for next-generation computing applications and digital services. The E2A submarine cable system is expected to be ready for service in the second half of 2028, significantly expanding digital capabilities across the Pacific.
SoftBank, serving as the Japan landing station for E2A, will provide the SoftBank Maruyama Landing Station in Minamiboso-City, Chiba Prefecture. This station is a landing point for various submarine cables, including JUPITER and ADC. SoftBank aims to enhance global, stable platforms for the AI era by building infrastructure for international submarine cables connecting Japan, the United States, and other parts of Asia.
Teruyuki Oya, Vice President, Head of the Mobile and Network Division, Technology Unit, SoftBank Corp., stated, “We are excited to start the project for a new submarine cable connecting east Asia and the United States. As AI becomes more prevalent, the importance of international submarine cables connecting Japan, the United States, and other parts of Asia as information highways is growing. SoftBank is committed to developing global, stable platforms for the AI era.”
SoftBank will continue to provide reliable services to meet global mobile network demands and contribute to the telecommunications industry by serving as a key hub for international submarine cables in Japan.
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