08 April 2025
SoftBank Corp., a leading member of the E2A Consortium, is set to commence the construction of a new advanced submarine cable system known as E2A.
This state-of-the-art infrastructure aims to connect key digital markets across Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the United States, significantly enhancing digital connectivity between Asia and North America.
Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) has been chosen as the contractor to develop this transpacific fibre optic network, which will stretch approximately 12,500km. The E2A project arises in response to the growing demand for robust infrastructure capable of supporting cloud computing, data processing, and next-generation mobile networks.
The E2A submarine cable system will provide critical connectivity between major digital hubs, with landing points strategically located in Maruyama (Chiba, Japan), Toucheng (Taiwan), Busan (South Korea), and Morro Bay (California, USA). This infrastructure is expected to serve as a foundational backbone for artificial intelligence (AI) applications, data centers, and cloud services, ensuring rapid connectivity across the Pacific and within Asia.
Key features of the E2A cable include the latest submarine network technology, comprising 12 fibre pairs with a capacity exceeding 192Tbps, an open cable system architecture to allow scalability and support for multiple operators, and 18kV power-feeding technology for improved efficiency. Additionally, optimized latency will facilitate next-generation computing applications and digital services. The E2A submarine cable system is anticipated to be ready for service in the second half of 2028, significantly bolstering digital capabilities across the Pacific.
SoftBank will act as the Japan landing station for the E2A project, utilizing the SoftBank Maruyama Landing Station located in Minamiboso-City, Chiba Prefecture. This station serves as a hub for multiple submarine cables, including the JUPITER and ADC systems. As part of its commitment to advancing global infrastructure for the AI era, SoftBank aims to create stable and efficient platforms that enhance international connectivity between Japan, the United States, and other regions of Asia.
“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,” said Teruyuki Oya, Vice President and Head of the Mobile and Network Division at SoftBank Corp.
