US funds feasibility study for trans-Pacific submarine cable
Summary
The US has announced funding for a feasibility study on a new trans-Pacific submarine cable that aims to connect the US with Thailand and up to five other Southeast Asian nations. This initiative is part of the US's efforts to enhance secure submarine cable infrastructure in the region, promoting trusted connectivity and sidestepping high-risk routes like the South China Sea. Thailand, in turn, is seeking to strengthen its international data links to emerge as a leading digital connectivity hub in the ASEAN region, driven by increasing demand for cloud and AI services.
Analysis
US Government: The US Government comprises the executive, legislative, and judicial branches that formulate and execute national and foreign policy, including initiatives to bolster international digital connectivity. Through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, it supports projects that promote secure infrastructure and US technology standards abroad. In this development, the government is providing funding for a feasibility study on a new trans-Pacific submarine cable to strengthen links with Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations while addressing security concerns in existing routes. Industry Trends: Recent partnerships among regional telecommunications and infrastructure firms are focusing on new subsea cable systems to meet growing connectivity needs driven by data centers and artificial intelligence across Southeast Asia. Regional Ambitions: Thailand is pursuing enhanced international data links to support its goals of becoming a leading digital connectivity hub in the ASEAN region amid rising demand for cloud and AI services. Digital Infrastructure: The US is advancing secure submarine cable initiatives in Southeast Asia to expand trusted connectivity options that avoid high-risk routes such as the South China Sea.
Categories
politicstech
Related sources
- https://www.ustda.gov/ustda-advances-trusted-submarine-cable-linking-india-and-southeast-asia/
- https://www.ustda.gov/sector/cybersecurity,telecommunications?post_type=post
- https://www.submarinenetworks.com/en/systems/intra-asia/mct/symphony-to-upgrade-malaysia-cambodia-thailand-subsea-cable-with-nokia-s-solutions
- https://www.thansettakij.com/technology/668953
- https://www.ustda.gov/ustda-hexa-partner-on-direct-submarine-cable-link-between-southeast-asia-and-united-states/
- https://technode.global/2026/09/10/thailands-gulf-singapores-singtel-to-invest-in-vietnam-thailand-singapore-submarine-cable/
- https://www.thansettakij.com/technology/668901
- https://storage.googleapis.com/aceweb-bucket-261225/pdf/publication/Bridging%20Connectivity_The%20Importance%20of%20Submarine%20Interconnectors%20to%20the%20APG_y9gMWUy8Pxf4oL6MaIGlZqwBhLRWAfTdKf934HfA.pdf
- https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/6188850/
- https://datastore.iatistandard.org/activity/US-GOV-12-1131PL23GH31263-134487
- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3319658/us-to-fund-subsea-cable-connect-study
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-09-15/us-backs-new-pacific-cable-as-china-rivalry-reshapes-networks
- https://ground.news/article/nt-and-ustda-join-forces-to-study-thai-us-submarine-cable-to-support-data-center-and-ai-growth