CAT Submarine Network (CSN)

Overview

The CAT Submarine Network (CSN) is a submarine cable system spanning 1240 kilometers, connecting two key locations in Thailand: Songkhla and Sriracha. Completed and ready for service in 2013, the cable is fully owned and operated by National Telecom, a prominent telecommunications provider in Thailand. The system plays a significant role in bolstering the nation’s domestic connectivity, linking critical urban and industrial centers on the Gulf of Thailand.

As a domestic cable, the CSN is designed to enhance Thailand's internal communications infrastructure. By connecting Songkhla in the south to Sriracha in the east, the cable supports the growing demand for reliable internet and data services in these regions. The system is particularly valuable for enterprise connectivity and local internet traffic, reducing dependency on international routes for domestic data exchange.

Route and Landings

The CAT Submarine Network (CSN) connects two coastal cities in Thailand: Songkhla and Sriracha. Songkhla, located in southern Thailand on the Gulf of Thailand, is a significant regional hub known for its port, fishing industry, and proximity to economic centers in southern Thailand and neighboring Malaysia. Its inclusion as a landing point ensures robust connectivity for the southern region, supporting local businesses and communities.

Sriracha, situated on Thailand's eastern seaboard, is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor, a key industrial zone. The city is home to major manufacturing facilities, logistics hubs, and a growing population. By linking Sriracha to Songkhla, the CSN enhances connectivity between Thailand’s industrial heartland and its southern provinces. The cable’s route across the Gulf of Thailand ensures a direct and efficient connection, bypassing the need for terrestrial infrastructure prone to congestion or disruption.

The Gulf of Thailand itself is a shallow, semi-enclosed body of water bordered by Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its relatively calm waters and proximity to Thailand’s coastline make it an ideal location for laying submarine cables like the CSN.

Ownership and History

The CAT Submarine Network (CSN) is owned and operated by National Telecom, a state-owned enterprise and one of Thailand’s leading telecommunications providers. National Telecom was formed through the merger of two major state-owned entities in the telecom sector, and it manages a wide range of fixed-line, mobile, and broadband services across the country. The CSN represents an important part of the company’s infrastructure portfolio, supporting its mission to deliver reliable and high-capacity communications services nationwide.

The cable became operational in 2013, marking a significant milestone in Thailand’s efforts to modernize its telecommunications infrastructure. By focusing on domestic connectivity, the CSN complements other international submarine cables landing in Thailand, ensuring that the country’s internal data traffic is efficiently managed without over-reliance on international routes. This strategic investment reflects National Telecom’s commitment to strengthening Thailand’s digital backbone and supporting economic growth through improved connectivity.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring of the CAT Submarine Network (CSN) indicates that the system has historically provided stable and reliable connectivity between Songkhla and Sriracha. The cable’s design and route across the Gulf of Thailand minimize latency and ensure efficient data transfer, making it a critical asset for domestic communications. While specific performance metrics are not publicly available, the cable’s role in supporting local internet and enterprise services underscores its importance to Thailand’s telecommunications landscape.

Probes have shown that the Gulf of Thailand’s relatively calm marine environment contributes to the cable’s durability and operational stability. However, as with any submarine cable, ongoing maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure long-term performance. The CSN’s strategic location and robust design make it a key component of Thailand’s digital infrastructure, supporting both urban and industrial growth in the regions it connects.