Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Near Sarangani Impacts IGG Cable, Other Systems Stable
What Happened
On July 11, 2026, at 20:49:31 local time, an earthquake of magnitude 5.2 struck 56 km south-southwest of Sarangani, Philippines. The epicenter was located in the sea area, a region that plays a vital role in global telecommunications due to the presence of numerous submarine cables. Earthquakes in such areas often raise concerns about potential disruptions to these critical infrastructures, which are responsible for carrying vast amounts of international data traffic.
Cables in Zone
Within a 500 km radius of the earthquake's epicenter, GeoCables has identified several key submarine cables that form part of the backbone of global connectivity. Among the cables in this zone is the Indonesia Global Gateway (IGG) System, a 5300 km-long cable that has been operational since 2018 and is managed by Telin and Telkom Indonesia. This cable includes a node in Manado, Indonesia, which is located 386.2 km from the epicenter. The IGG System is a critical link for Indonesia's connectivity to other parts of Asia and beyond.
Other cables in the region include Apricot, a 11972 km system launched in 2025 and operated by Chunghwa Telecom and Google, and the Asia Connect Cable-1 (ACC-1), a massive 19000 km cable slated for readiness in 2028 under the management of Inligo Networks. The Bifrost cable, stretching 19888 km and operational since 2025, is managed by Keppel T&T and Meta. Additionally, the SEA-US cable, which spans 14500 km and has been operational since 2017 under GTA TeleGuam and Globe Telecom, is also situated within the monitored zone. Local cables such as Barat Timur Indonesia-1 and -2, as well as the Palapa Ring Middle, further underscore the strategic importance of this region in global telecommunications.
What Our Measurements Show
GeoCables' monitoring systems detected a notable impact on the IGG System cable following the earthquake. Under normal operating conditions, the average round-trip time (RTT) for this cable is 57.1 ms. However, post-earthquake measurements revealed an increase to 195.8 ms, representing a rise of 138.7 ms (4.5σ above baseline levels). This significant deviation suggests potential partial damage to the cable or temporary routing issues caused by the seismic activity.
Meanwhile, other cables in the region, including Apricot, ACC-1, SEA-US, and Bifrost, have demonstrated stable performance metrics. Their resilience highlights the robustness of modern submarine cable systems, which are designed to withstand various environmental challenges, including seismic events.
Context and Risks
Southeast Asia serves as a critical hub in the international submarine cable network, connecting Asia, Australia, and North America. The region's cables facilitate high-speed data transmission and underpin global digital economies. Any disruption in this area can lead to significant delays in data transfer and force traffic rerouting through alternative paths, which may increase latency and reduce overall network efficiency.
The observed increase in RTT on the IGG System could impact communication between Indonesia and neighboring countries, potentially affecting businesses, financial transactions, and internet services. While other cables in the zone have maintained stable performance, the situation underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and rapid response to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
Further Monitoring
GeoCables is actively monitoring all submarine cables in the earthquake-affected zone, with particular attention to the IGG System due to its elevated RTT levels. Continuous tracking and analysis will help identify any further changes in cable performance, ensuring timely detection of anomalies.
Additionally, GeoCables is closely observing the Apricot, ACC-1, SEA-US, and other cables in the vicinity of the epicenter. These systems are critical for maintaining regional and international connectivity, and their stability remains a priority. GeoCables will provide updates promptly should any new developments arise, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the reliability and resilience of global submarine cable networks.
