Japanese Firms Launch $1B Submarine Cable Venture to Boost Asia’s Digital Connectivity

Kuala Lumpur, January 23, 2026 – NTT DATA, Sumitomo Corporation, and JA Mitsui Leasing, Ltd. have jointly established Intra-Asia Marine Networks Co., Ltd. (I-AM NW) to develop and operate the Intra-Asia Marine Cable (I-AM Cable), a major submarine communication network connecting Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, with extensions to Korea, the Philippines, and Taiwan. The project, announced on January 14 in Malaysia, carries an approximate total cost of $1 billion and aims to fortify Asia’s communication infrastructure amid surging demand from the global digital and AI economy.

Submarine Cable Venture

Submarine cables handle about 99% of international data transfers, making the I-AM Cable vital for building a resilient communication ecosystem. Starting from three Japanese landing stations in Chiba, Mie, and Fukuoka, the system will enhance disaster resilience and solidify Japan’s position as a key data hub between Asia and the United States, fostering regional revitalization and international competitiveness.

Advanced technologies like Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) will allow remote bandwidth adjustments to meet evolving traffic demands, while Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) supports up to 16 fiber pairs (32 cores), delivering a staggering 320 terabits per second capacity. This ensures high-reliability services for global tech giants and telecom operators.

Japanese Firms

“The launch of I-AM NW marks a significant step in strengthening Asia’s digital infrastructure,” said Yoshio Sato, CEO of I-AM NW. “This project reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, flexible connectivity solutions that empower businesses and drive digital transformation across the Asia-Pacific region.”I-AM NW will oversee the full lifecycle, from planning to circuit sales, contributing to Asia’s broader digital development.

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