A US agency has announced its support for a proposed submarine cable system that will connect India with Singapore and major Southeast Asian data hubs. The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has partnered with SubConnex Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. to fund a feasibility study for the SCNX3 submarine cable system. This project aims to serve nearly 1.85 billion people by enhancing connectivity in the region.
The feasibility study funded by USTDA is intended to attract investment for the cable system and enhance the capacity required for Artificial Intelligence and Cloud-based services. By deploying secure, US-made subsea cable technology, the project aims to safeguard sensitive data and critical infrastructure from cyber threats and foreign interference. The agreement for this initiative was signed at a conference in Honolulu, Hawaii.
SubConnex has enlisted the services of Florida-based APTelecom LLC to conduct the feasibility study, focusing on various aspects like route design, engineering, financial modeling, and regulatory analysis. USTDA highlighted that US expertise will play a crucial role in shaping the technical and commercial aspects of the SCNX3 system. The planned cable route will connect Chennai in India with Singapore, with considerations for additional landing points in India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
The construction of the SCNX3 submarine cable is expected to create opportunities for US hardware, software, and services providers to offer trusted solutions in the region. This project aims to address the increasing connectivity challenges faced in India and Southeast Asia, where existing networks are vulnerable to outages and security risks due to rising digital demand and limited route diversity. By establishing new data pathways, the cable system will enhance digital access and support the growth of Artificial Intelligence and Cloud services.
Simon Zettl, the CEO of SubConnex, emphasized that the SCNX3 project will bolster the digital backbone of South and Southeast Asia. He highlighted the importance of establishing a resilient and trusted route between India, Singapore, and key regional hubs to support economic growth and digital capabilities. USTDA’s support for the project is expected to facilitate its progress and ensure the use of trusted technology and expertise.
The feasibility study supported by USTDA aims to promote secure cable technology and safeguard data flows from malicious foreign influence, considering that undersea cables carry a significant portion of global Internet and data traffic.
