Trans-Pacific cable system launched

A consortium of Indian and global telecom companies today announced the launch of Unity cable system to boost trans-Pacific connectivity. The consortium includes companies like Bharti Airtel, Global Transit, Google, KDDI Corporation, Pacnet and SingTel. The construction of this cable system was announced in February 2008 and costs approximately $300 million. 

The cable system provides direct connectivity between Chikura, located on the coast near Tokyo, and West Coast network points-of-presence in Los Angeles, Palo Alto and San Jose. 

At Chikura, Unity is seamlessly connected to other cable systems, further enhancing connectivity with Asia. Through the deployment of state-of-the-art submarine cable technology, the five fiber pairs Unity cable system is designed to deliver up to 4.8 Terabits per second (Tbps) of bandwidth across the Pacific, with each fiber pair having a capacity of up to 960 Gigabits per second (Gbps). 

This cable link synergises with Bharti’s existing connectivity options from India to Singapore. 

“This is in line with our vision to offer multiple paths and create a robust undersea cable infrastructure for our customers, which is now more than 200 thousand Rkms. Unity cable system will provide enhanced and seamless global connectivity, as it is connected to other cable systems further enhancing connectivity to Asia,” said Rajan Swaroop, ED-Enterprise Services, Bharti Airtel, said. 

“Following months of testing to ensure that the cable system meets the rigorous transmission standards specified, the Unity cable system is ready to deliver the much-anticipated capacity to meet the Trans-Pacific connectivity needs of members of the consortium,” said Chris Wilson, chairman of the Unity Executive Committee.