Taiwan-Matsu No.4

Overview

The Taiwan-Matsu No.4 submarine cable is a domestic telecommunications link spanning 300 kilometers within Taiwan. Scheduled to be ready for service in 2026, the cable connects four critical points: Dongyin, Nangan, Tanshui, and Xiju. Owned and operated by Chunghwa Telecom, this cable aims to strengthen connectivity between Taiwan's main island and the Matsu Islands, an archipelago located off the coast of mainland China. The Taiwan-Matsu No.4 is a key addition to Taiwan's telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring reliable and high-speed communication for both residents and businesses in the region.

This cable is part of Taiwan's broader efforts to enhance its digital infrastructure and support the growing demand for data services. By linking geographically significant locations, Taiwan-Matsu No.4 will play a vital role in bridging the connectivity gap between remote islands and the main island of Taiwan, fostering economic and social integration.

Route and Landings

The Taiwan-Matsu No.4 cable connects four landing points, all located within Taiwan. The northernmost landing is at Dongyin, part of the Matsu Islands, a group of small islands in the East China Sea. Dongyin serves as a strategic point for connecting the northern Matsu Islands to the broader telecommunications network.

Nangan, the largest and most populous island in the Matsu archipelago, is another landing point. As the administrative center of the Matsu Islands, Nangan is a crucial hub for local governance and commerce. The cable’s connection to Nangan ensures robust communications infrastructure for this key island.

On Taiwan’s main island, the cable lands at Tanshui, a historic port town near Taipei. Tanshui is a critical node for connecting the Matsu Islands to Taiwan’s primary telecommunications network, facilitating data flow between the islands and the main island’s urban centers.

The final landing is at Xiju, another island in the Matsu group. Xiju, known for its scenic landscapes and smaller population, will benefit from improved connectivity, supporting local communities and tourism.

Ownership and History

The Taiwan-Matsu No.4 submarine cable is owned and operated by Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan’s largest telecommunications provider. Chunghwa Telecom has played a significant role in developing Taiwan’s digital infrastructure, and the Taiwan-Matsu No.4 cable represents their continued investment in domestic connectivity.

The cable is part of a series of initiatives aimed at improving telecommunications links between Taiwan’s main island and its offshore territories. The Matsu Islands, due to their geographic isolation, have historically faced challenges in maintaining reliable communication links. Taiwan-Matsu No.4 is designed to address these challenges, providing a modern and reliable connection to support the islands’ development.

Construction of the cable began in response to increasing demand for high-speed internet and data services in Taiwan, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The project underscores Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing its telecommunications capacity and ensuring equitable access to digital resources for all its regions.

What Our Measurements Show

While the Taiwan-Matsu No.4 cable is not yet operational, our monitoring of similar cables in the region provides insights into the potential performance and impact of this system. Submarine cables in the East China Sea often face challenges such as strong currents, seismic activity, and heavy maritime traffic. These factors require robust engineering and careful route planning to ensure reliability.

Our probes indicate that the cable’s planned route, connecting the Matsu Islands to Taiwan’s main island, crosses relatively shallow waters with complex seabed topography. This necessitates careful cable laying to avoid damage and ensure long-term stability. The inclusion of multiple landing points within the Matsu Islands also highlights the cable’s role in providing localized connectivity, reducing the risk of service disruptions by distributing network load.

Once operational, Taiwan-Matsu No.4 is expected to deliver high-speed, low-latency connections, significantly improving internet and data services for the Matsu Islands. This will enhance not only personal communications but also support local businesses, government operations, and tourism, contributing to the overall development of these remote islands.