SoftBank, alongside members of the E2A Consortium, has announced the start of construction on the E2A submarine cable system, a new transpacific fiber optic network that will connect Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the United States. Built by Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN), the E2A system will span approximately 12,500 kilometers, providing a high-capacity, low-latency backbone to support the increasing demands of AI applications, hyperscale data centers, cloud services, and next-generation mobile networks. The cable is scheduled to be ready for service (RFS) in the second half of 2028.
The E2A system will feature 12 fiber pairs (FP) capable of delivering more than 192 terabits per second (Tbps) of total capacity, employing an Open Cable System architecture to allow seamless multi-operator access and scalability. Designed with optimized latency to meet the needs of AI workloads and advanced digital services, the cable will also use 18kV power feeding technology to maximize subsea efficiency. The E2A project will link key landing points in Maruyama (Japan), Toucheng (Taiwan), Busan (South Korea), and Morro Bay (California, USA), enhancing digital connectivity between Asia’s major hubs and North America.
SoftBank will host the Japan landing station at its Maruyama facility in Chiba Prefecture, which already serves as a critical hub for other major transpacific cables, including the JUPITER and ADC systems. The new E2A cable strengthens SoftBank’s role as a central player in Japan’s international telecom infrastructure strategy, contributing to the development of resilient, AI-ready global networks.
• E2A submarine cable will span 12,500 km connecting Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the U.S.
• Designed for over 192Tbps capacity across 12 fiber pairs (FP) with Open Cable System architecture.
• Employs 18kV power feeding and latency-optimized design for AI, data center, and cloud workloads.
• SoftBank’s Maruyama Landing Station will serve as the Japan hub for E2A, adding to its existing role with JUPITER and ADC cables.
• Expected Ready for Service (RFS) date in H2 2028.
“We’re very pleased to have initiated the project for a new submarine cable connecting East Asia and the United States,” said Teruyuki Oya, Vice President, Head of the Mobile & Network Division, Technology Unit, at SoftBank Corp. “The importance of international submarine cables connecting Japan, the U.S., and Asia as arteries of information is increasing as we enter the AI era.”
