MOX Networks, a fiber-optic network operator owned by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong , has acquired spectrum on Google’s Topaz subsea cable system, the first fiber cable connecting Canada to Asia.
The Topaz cable, featuring 16 fiber pairs and a total capacity of 240 Tbps, leverages Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) technology for flexible routing and enhanced resilience. The cable spans from Vancouver, Canada, to the Mie and Ibaraki prefectures in Japan, providing a secure, diverse path for wholesale bandwidth solutions between Japan and North America.
MOX said the capacity acquisition enhances its existing network infrastructure, which spans over 16,000 km of submarine and terrestrial fiber. The company offers up to 400G wavelengths and dark fiber channels to connect data hubs in the Americas and Japan. By integrating the Topaz system, MOX can deliver low-latency, high-capacity connectivity to meet the growing demands of hyperscale data, AI, and other bandwidth-intensive applications.
Allen Meeks, President and CEO of MOX, emphasized the importance of this milestone: “We are thrilled to join Topaz as a commercial network provider offering high-capacity, low-latency, next-gen, diverse networks connecting Canada and Japan. With the evolving focus on AI and technology, our network infrastructure and subsea cable systems are integral to supporting these innovations.” Ian Clarke, Google’s Director of Global Submarine Networking, noted that partnerships like this ensure broader reach and reliability for global connectivity improvements.
• Key Features of the Topaz Cable:
• Capacity: 16 fiber pairs with a total capacity of 240 Tbps.
• Technology: Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) for flexible spectrum slicing and enhanced resilience.
• Connectivity: Links Vancouver, Canada, with Japan’s Mie and Ibaraki prefectures.
• Applications: Supports high-capacity, low-latency connections for hyperscale data centers and AI-driven workloads.
• MOX Network Highlights:
• Scale: Over 16,000 km of terrestrial and submarine fiber network.
• Services: Up to 400G wavelengths and dark fiber channels.
• Global Reach: Extends from Vancouver to Tokyo and south to Seattle.
- Born in South Africa and now based in the United States, Dr. Soon-Shiong is a board-certified surgeon, medical researcher, and innovator in cancer treatments. He is the founder of NantWorks, a network of companies focused on advanced healthcare, artificial intelligence, and next-generation technology. Dr. Soon-Shiong is best known for inventing the cancer drug Abraxane, which has become a key treatment for breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers. In addition to his ventures in healthcare, he owns the Los Angeles Times and San Diego Union-Tribune, demonstrating a diverse portfolio that spans media, biotechnology, and digital infrastructure. His investments reflect a commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to address global challenges in medicine, communication, and connectivity.
- In April 2022, Google unveiled plans for Topaz, the first-ever fiber cable to connect Canada and Asia. The Topaz cable will house 16 fiber pairs, for a total capacity of 240 Terabits per second, and will feature Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) technology for flexibility in routing and advanced resilience. Notably, the eastern-end of Topaz will use the original cable landing station in Vancouver employed by the 1960s era Commonwealth Pacific Cable System (COMPAC), a copper undersea cable linking Vancouver with Honolulu (United States), Sydney (Australia), and Auckland (New Zealand).
