- TM, Meta, SoftBank partner for 8,000 km Candle cable linking six Asia-Pacific nations.
- 24-fibre pair system starts 2028 to meet 5G, AI data surge.
- Enhances redundancy, supports ASEAN digital hub ambitions.
Telekom Malaysia (TM) has entered into a partnership with Meta, SoftBank Corp., IPS Inc., PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, and NEC Corporation to develop the Candle submarine cable system that is 8,000 kilometers, 24-fibre pair system that will link Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia and Singapore.
The Candle cable is expected to come online in 2028. This was reported in Communication Today. The goal of the Candle project is to develop regional infrastructure and reduce routes. The Candle system comes at a time when 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) will be putting pressure on data volumes.
Candle aims to improve traffic capacity and accommodate increasing communications demand as one of the first 24-fibre pair systems in the Asia-Pacific. Don Pang, chairperson of the Candle management committee, said “Candle is a significant step forward in strengthening the region’s digital infrastructure. This is a milestone of collective commitment to driving digital inclusion and economic opportunity for over half a billion people in the Asia-Pacific.”
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TM's Group CEO, Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, highlighted, “TM’s participation illustrates our commitment to resilient digital infrastructure, it only amplifies our ability to support hyperscalers, enterprises and global providers, underpinning Malaysia's role as the ASEAN digital hub.” Kimimasa Kudo, VP of SoftBank, changed, “Candle utilizes a 24-fibre pair architecture, representing a core foundation of next generation social infrastructure, we will enhance the diversity and redundancy of global networks originating from Japan.”
“As a system integrator, NEC will provide everything from submarine cables and repeaters to route design and testing,” stated Tomonori Uematsu, NEC’s General Manager. “In doing so, NEC will help to enhance the digital economy.” The initiative represents a significant commitment to regional connectivity with secure data transmission and enables ASEAN to develop digitally.