Japan-Guam-Australia South (JGA-S)

Overview

Japan-Guam-Australia South (JGA-S) is a submarine cable system that connects Australia and Guam, spanning a total length of 7,081 kilometers. This cable serves as a critical link between the Australian continent and Guam, a United States territory located in the western Pacific Ocean. JGA-S enhances connectivity in the region, supporting data traffic between two key locations along the Pacific corridor. The system became operational in 2020 and is jointly owned by Australia's Academic and Research Network (AARNet), Google, and Lightstorm Telecom.

Designed to meet the growing demand for reliable, high-capacity connectivity, JGA-S plays a vital role in regional telecommunications infrastructure. Its deployment strengthens Australia's international data exchange capabilities, while also supporting Guam's strategic position as a hub for submarine cables in the Pacific. The cable's advanced design ensures high performance and resilience, contributing to the robust digital ecosystems of the communities it serves.

Route and Landings

JGA-S features three landing points: two in Australia and one in Guam. In Australia, the cable lands at Brookvale in New South Wales and Maroochydore in Queensland, both situated along the eastern seaboard. These landings provide geographic diversity and ensure connectivity to two significant population centers in different states. Brookvale, located near Sydney, is a major urban area, while Maroochydore is part of the Sunshine Coast, a region experiencing rapid growth in both residential and technological infrastructure.

In Guam, JGA-S terminates at Piti, a key location for submarine cables in the western Pacific. Piti serves as a hub for several other cable systems, making it an important node for international data traffic. The cable's route crosses the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean, connecting Australia’s east coast to Guam’s strategic hub. This corridor is essential for linking Australia to broader Pacific and Asian networks, facilitating international communication and commerce.

Ownership and History

JGA-S is owned by three entities: AARNet, Google, and Lightstorm Telecom. AARNet, Australia's national research and education network, provides connectivity to universities and research institutions, underscoring the cable's importance to academic and scientific communities. Google, a global technology leader, has extensive investments in submarine cables, including JGA-S, as part of its commitment to improving global internet infrastructure. Lightstorm Telecom, a telecommunications carrier, contributes to the ownership and operational management of the system.

The cable was ready for service in 2020, marking a significant milestone in the development of Pacific connectivity. Its deployment reflects the growing need for high-capacity, low-latency communication links in the region. JGA-S complements other existing and planned cables in the Australia-Guam corridor, providing redundancy and additional capacity for data traffic between these locations.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of JGA-S spans 186 measured corridors, providing detailed insights into its performance. The best recorded round-trip time (RTT) is 0 milliseconds, while the average RTT is 222 milliseconds. These metrics highlight the cable's efficiency in transmitting data across its 7,081-kilometer length. The low latency observed in certain tests underscores the system's advanced design and its ability to support high-speed communication.

The cable's geographic positioning and technical specifications contribute to its role as a reliable conduit for international data exchange. By connecting Brookvale and Maroochydore in Australia to Piti in Guam, JGA-S facilitates seamless communication between two regions separated by vast oceanic distances. Its performance metrics are indicative of the robust engineering and operational standards employed in its construction and maintenance, ensuring consistent service for users in the region.