Thailand-Indonesia-Singapore (TIS)

Overview

The Thailand-Indonesia-Singapore (TIS) submarine cable system connects three key countries in Southeast Asia: Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. Spanning a total length of 968 kilometers, TIS enhances regional connectivity by linking the Gulf of Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, and the Indonesian archipelago with Singapore, a major telecommunications hub. The system plays a critical role in supporting intra-regional data exchange and communication in one of the world's busiest maritime and economic corridors. Operational since 2003, TIS has contributed to the development of digital infrastructure in the region, enabling faster and more reliable connectivity between these three nations.

As a regional cable, TIS is designed to provide direct connectivity among its landing points, complementing larger intercontinental systems that traverse Southeast Asia. Its strategic placement ensures that it serves as a vital link for both domestic and cross-border communications, facilitating economic and technological integration across the region.

Route and Landings

The TIS cable system has three landing points, each located in a strategically significant area. In Thailand, the cable lands at Songkhla, a coastal city situated on the Gulf of Thailand in the country's southern region. Songkhla serves as a gateway for connecting Thailand's telecommunications infrastructure to the broader Southeast Asian network.

In Indonesia, the cable lands on Batam, an island in the Riau Archipelago. Batam's proximity to Singapore and its location near the Singapore Strait make it a critical node for regional connectivity. The Singapore Strait is one of the world's most important maritime passages, further emphasizing Batam's strategic importance.

The Singapore landing is located at Changi North, on the eastern end of the island. Singapore's position as a global telecommunications hub and its advanced infrastructure make it a natural endpoint for the TIS system. The city-state's connectivity is vital for linking Southeast Asia to other parts of the world, and the TIS cable adds to this robust network by providing direct regional links.

Ownership and History

The TIS cable is jointly owned by three major telecommunications operators: National Telecom of Thailand, Singtel of Singapore, and Telkom Indonesia. Each of these companies represents the primary telecommunications provider in their respective countries, ensuring that the cable serves national interests while fostering regional collaboration. This partnership reflects the cooperative approach required to develop and maintain critical infrastructure in the Southeast Asian region.

Commissioned in 2003, TIS was one of the earlier submarine cable systems to focus exclusively on intra-regional connectivity in Southeast Asia. Its construction marked a significant step in the region's efforts to build a robust telecommunications network, addressing the growing demand for data and communication services in the early 21st century. The cable remains an integral part of the regional network, even as newer systems have been developed to meet increasing capacity requirements.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the TIS cable system tracks its performance across 120 measured corridors. The best recorded round-trip time (RTT) is 52 milliseconds, while the average RTT is 78 milliseconds. These figures are consistent with the cable's relatively short length and its focus on regional connectivity. The low latency underscores the efficiency of the TIS system in facilitating high-speed communication among its three landing points.

The TIS cable's performance metrics highlight its importance as a reliable and efficient link in Southeast Asia. By providing direct connectivity between Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore, the system supports critical telecommunications needs, including internet traffic, voice communication, and data exchange. Its role is particularly significant in a region where economic growth and digital transformation continue to drive demand for enhanced connectivity.