INDIGO-West

Overview

INDIGO-West is a 4600-kilometer-long submarine cable system that provides a critical data link between Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Completed and ready for service in 2019, the cable enhances connectivity between Southeast Asia and Oceania, supporting the growing demand for high-speed internet and data exchange in the region. As part of the broader INDIGO cable system, INDIGO-West plays a significant role in facilitating international communication and bolstering regional digital infrastructure.

The cable is designed to handle high-capacity data transmission, serving as a backbone for internet connectivity and cloud services. Its strategic placement reflects the increasing importance of intercontinental data traffic between Asia and Australia, driven by economic growth, digital transformation, and the expanding needs of businesses, educational institutions, and consumers.

Route and Landings

INDIGO-West connects three major landing points: Perth in Western Australia, Jakarta in Indonesia, and Tuas in Singapore. These locations were chosen for their strategic importance in regional and global telecommunications.

Perth, located on Australia’s west coast, serves as a key gateway for international cables linking Oceania to Asia and beyond. Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital and largest city, is a vital hub for Southeast Asia’s telecommunications networks, reflecting the country’s role as an emerging digital economy. Tuas, situated in Singapore, is a major landing site for submarine cables due to the city-state’s status as a global financial and data center hub.

The route of INDIGO-West traverses the Indian Ocean and the Java Sea, crossing diverse underwater terrains. This corridor facilitates robust data exchange between the three nations, supporting industries such as finance, education, and cloud computing. By connecting these critical locations, the cable strengthens regional and international connectivity, addressing the growing demand for reliable and high-speed data transmission.

Ownership and History

INDIGO-West is owned by a consortium of six organizations: Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNET), Google, Indosat Ooredoo, Singtel, Superloop, and Telstra. Each of these entities brings unique expertise and resources to the project, reflecting the collaborative nature of submarine cable development.

AARNET represents Australia’s education and research sector, providing advanced networking capabilities to universities and research institutions. Google, a global technology giant, leverages its participation to support its cloud and internet services. Indosat Ooredoo, a leading telecommunications provider in Indonesia, enhances connectivity for its domestic and regional customers. Singtel, Singapore’s largest telecom operator, strengthens its position as a regional data hub. Superloop, an Australian infrastructure company, focuses on expanding high-capacity networks, while Telstra, Australia’s largest telecom provider, ensures robust connectivity for its extensive customer base.

The cable became operational in 2019, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity. Its development underscores the importance of international cooperation in building and maintaining global data infrastructure. The INDIGO-West cable complements other systems in the region, enhancing redundancy and resilience in the face of growing data demands.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of INDIGO-West reveals a total of 66 measured corridors along its route. The cable demonstrates impressive performance, with a best round-trip time (RTT) of 50 milliseconds and an average RTT of 80 milliseconds. These metrics highlight the cable’s efficiency in transmitting data between its landing points.

The low latency achieved by INDIGO-West is crucial for applications requiring real-time data exchange, such as video conferencing, online gaming, and financial transactions. The cable’s performance also supports cloud computing and content delivery networks, ensuring seamless user experiences for businesses and individuals across the connected regions.

By providing reliable and high-speed connectivity, INDIGO-West plays a vital role in meeting the digital needs of Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Its performance metrics demonstrate the effectiveness of modern submarine cable technology in bridging vast distances and fostering international collaboration.