China Mobile International Launches SJC2
On July 16, 2025, China Mobile International Limited (CMI) officially commenced operations for its groundbreaking Southeast Asia–Japan Cable 2 (SJC2). This state-of-the-art submarine cable system stretches over 10,500 kilometers and aims to revolutionize connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region.
The primary route of SJC2 connects major hubs including Singapore, Hong Kong China, and Japan, with supplementary branches extending to other crucial countries within the Asia-Pacific. By utilizing cutting-edge optical wavelength division multiplexing technology, SJC2 boasts an impressive capability to transmit data at a staggering rate of more than 126 terabits per second (Tbps). This innovative infrastructure significantly boosts the existing submarine cable network, introducing additional capacity, diverse routing options, and enhanced resilience to meet the soaring demand for robust connectivity throughout Southeast and East Asia.
In recent years, the necessity for advanced connectivity infrastructure has grown increasingly urgent, prompted by the escalating digital transformation within Southeast Asia. According to Market Research Southeast Asia, the region's digital transformation market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2% from 2024 to 2032, largely driven by increasing internet accessibility
CMI’s investment in the SJC2 cable aligns with the larger trajectory of technological growth focused on facilitating developments in areas like 5G, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and e-commerce. With an aim to meet the rapidly escalating requirements for low-latency and high-capacity data transfers, the SJC2 cable positions itself as a critical solution for businesses, cloud providers, and digital platforms.
Not only does SJC2 enhance data transfer speeds crucial for bandwidth-heavy applications, but it also contributes to bridging connectivity gaps across underserved regions, thus fostering digital inclusion. The SJC2 cable is a significant addition to CMI’s existing extensive network, which encompasses eight routes across the Asia-Pacific, merging a variety of submarine cable systems to provide high availability and bandwidth.*
In addition to its direct impact, the SJC2 project reinforces international connectivity by linking with the PEACE cable, which was operationalized in September 2024 and facilitates connections extending to Europe. This strategic move enables CMI to not only improve intra-regional connectivity but also to bolster global data exchange capacities.
CI has a robust history in the deployment of submarine cables globally, having initiated other ambitious projects such as the 2Africa project—a transcontinental cable that spans South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Moreover, initiatives like IAX and IEX links connect prominent regions, specifically bridging Singapore with both India and Europe.
CMI currently maintains a network that traverses 78 countries, utilizing over 100 cable systems with a remarkable bandwidth surpassing 168 Tbps. This extensive infrastructure also encompasses an impressive array of Points of Presence (PoPs)—numbering over 330—crucially located in global cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, London, and Frankfurt. By tapping into its own data centers and a vast array of partner data centers, CMI guarantees cost-effective and customizable solutions across the region, tailored to meet prevailing demands for connectivity.
The launch of SJC2 marks a major milestone in CMI's journey to enhance global networking capabilities while supporting Asia-Pacific's rapidly evolving technological landscape. Positioned at the forefront of this digital revolution, CMI is committed to facilitating innovation and ensuring efficient connectivity that will empower the region’s digital economy for years to come.
For more information, visit
China Mobile International's website.