Candle

Overview

Candle is an 8,000-kilometer submarine cable system designed to enhance connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region. Scheduled to be ready for service in 2028, it links six countries: Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan. The cable aims to strengthen intra-Asia digital infrastructure, connecting some of the region's most dynamic economies and supporting their growing demand for high-speed, low-latency internet services. Candle is owned by a consortium of telecommunications and technology companies, reflecting a collaborative approach to addressing regional connectivity needs.

The cable is positioned to serve as a critical backbone for data exchange within Asia, providing additional capacity and redundancy for existing systems. Its design reflects a focus on regional connectivity rather than intercontinental reach, making it a key asset for local and regional internet traffic. Candle's deployment is expected to contribute to the digital transformation of its landing countries by supporting cloud services, content delivery, and enterprise-grade connectivity.

Route and Landings

Candle connects six countries through seven strategically chosen landing points. In the Philippines, it lands at both Baler on the eastern coast and Nasugbu on the western coast, providing robust connectivity across the archipelago. Indonesia is served by a landing at Batam, an island near Singapore that acts as a major telecommunications hub. Singapore itself is connected via Changi North, a key location for regional and international cable systems.

In Malaysia, the cable lands at Sedili, a site on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, which is well-positioned for connections to other regional systems. Japan is linked through Maruyama, a landing station that integrates with Japan's extensive domestic and international cable networks. Finally, in Taiwan, the cable comes ashore at Toucheng, a site known for its role in connecting the island to other parts of Asia and beyond. The route reflects a deliberate effort to interconnect major economic and digital hubs in the region while ensuring geographic diversity and resilience.

Ownership and History

Candle is owned by a consortium comprising IPS, Inc., Meta, SoftBank, Telekom Malaysia, and XLSmart. IPS, Inc. is a global telecommunications provider, while Meta, a leading American technology company, has been actively investing in submarine cable systems worldwide. SoftBank, a major Japanese telecommunications and investment group, brings its expertise in regional connectivity. Telekom Malaysia, the national telecom operator of Malaysia, ensures local integration, and XLSmart contributes its technological and operational capabilities.

The project reflects a growing trend of collaboration between technology companies and traditional telecom operators to meet the increasing demand for data capacity in Asia. While Candle is still under construction, its planned 2028 ready-for-service date aligns with the region's rapid digital growth. The consortium's combined expertise and resources are expected to ensure the successful deployment and operation of the cable.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of Candle has provided insights into its performance across 102 measured corridors. The best round-trip time (RTT) recorded is 6 milliseconds, while the average RTT is 87 milliseconds. These measurements indicate that Candle is capable of delivering low-latency connectivity, which is crucial for applications such as video streaming, online gaming, and financial transactions.

The cable's performance metrics highlight its potential to support high-speed data transfer across its landing points. By connecting major economic centers in Asia, Candle is expected to play a significant role in reducing latency and improving network reliability in the region. Its design and performance characteristics make it a valuable addition to the existing network infrastructure, addressing the growing demand for efficient and resilient connectivity in Asia-Pacific.