USTDA funds feasibility study for Thailand-US transpacific submarine cable
Quick Look
The US Trade and Development Agency announced funding for a feasibility study on a new transpacific submarine cable linking the US with Thailand and up to five Southeast Asian nations, designed to US engineering standards to replace Thailand's ageing connection and enhance secure digital infrastructure amid competition with China.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The US is seeking to expand its role in building subsea cables amid competition from China, as these cables carry nearly all international internet traffic.
The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) on Monday announced funding for a feasibility study on a new transpacific submarine cable linking the US with Thailand and as many as five other Southeast Asian nations, as Washington seeks to expand secure digital infrastructure in the region.
The proposed cable that could extend up to 18,507km (11,500 miles) long would connect Thailand with the United States via Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam, “while avoiding the South China Sea and other routes that carry security risks”, the agency said in a statement. The project would be built to US engineering standards and is intended to replace Thailand’s ageing subsea connection to the US.
The Thailand-US Submarine Cable System, or Thus, will “strengthen the resilience and diversity of our international networks, support the growth of Thailand’s data centre, cloud and AI sectors, and expand affordable connectivity”, said Colonel Sanpachai Huvanandana, president of the Thai state-owned National Telecom Public Company.
The US, facing competition from China, has made a concerted effort in recent years to expand its role in building subsea cables, which carry nearly all international internet traffic.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
If the feasibility study is positive, construction of the Thailand-US submarine cable system will proceed.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What is the timeline for completing the feasibility study?
- Which specific companies or entities will be involved in building the cable if approved?
- What is the estimated cost of the full cable project?
- How will the cable's route avoid the South China Sea while still connecting the listed countries?
