Magnitude 6 Earthquake Near Timor-Leste: Submarine Cables Fully Operational

What Happened

On August 24, 2026, at 17:10 local time, an earthquake of magnitude 6 struck the region 215 km northeast of Lospalos, Timor-Leste. The seismic event occurred in a geologically active zone, drawing attention to the submarine cable infrastructure that serves as a critical backbone for international connectivity in the area. The earthquake's proximity to key cable routes raised questions about potential impacts on data transmission and the resilience of the network in this region.

Cables in Zone

Within a 500 km radius of the earthquake's epicenter, GeoCables has identified six submarine cables that play vital roles in connecting countries across Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific. These cables include:

• Asia Connect Cable-1 (ACC-1): Spanning 19,000 km, this cable is designed to provide high-capacity connectivity across Asia and the Pacific. Although it is scheduled for operation in 2028, its planned route passes through Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, which is located 299 km from the earthquake's epicenter.
• Hawaiki Nui 1: Measuring 10,000 km in length, this cable is set to be ready for service (RFS) in 2027. Like ACC-1, it is expected to play a significant role in regional connectivity and also routes through Dili.
• SMPCS Packet-1: Operational since 2015, this 3,156 km cable connects Indonesia via Ambon and has been a reliable part of the regional network.
• Palapa Ring East: A 6,300 km cable that became operational in 2019, providing connectivity via Kokar, Indonesia. This cable is part of Indonesia's ambitious Palapa Ring project aimed at improving digital infrastructure across the archipelago.
• Kupang-Alor Cable Systems: A shorter cable of 273 km, operational since 2019, connecting Kupang and Alor in Indonesia. Its proximity to the epicenter highlights its importance in the region's network.
• Indonesia Tengah Cable Systems: Spanning 2,641 km and scheduled for operation in 2027, this cable connects Wakatobi, Indonesia, and is part of Indonesia's broader efforts to enhance regional connectivity.

What Our Measurements Show

GeoCables' monitoring systems confirm that the submarine cable network in the earthquake zone remains fully operational. Signal delay (RTT) measurements on key cables continue to reflect stable performance. For instance, SMPCS Packet-1 shows an average RTT of 45 ms, while Palapa Ring East maintains an average RTT of 30 ms. These values are consistent with normal operational parameters, demonstrating the resilience of the infrastructure against seismic activity.

Context and Risks

The region surrounding Timor-Leste is known for its seismic activity due to tectonic movements along the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates. Submarine cables in such areas are engineered to withstand natural events, including earthquakes, through robust design and strategic routing. The uninterrupted operation of these cables highlights their critical role in ensuring stable internet connectivity for the region. This is particularly significant as the demand for data transmission continues to grow, driven by economic development and increasing digitalization in Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific.

Further Monitoring

GeoCables remains committed to proactive monitoring of submarine cable performance in the region affected by the earthquake. This includes tracking RTT, packet loss, and other key indicators to ensure the continued stability of the network. Special attention will be given to the Asia Connect Cable-1 and Hawaiki Nui 1, as these upcoming projects are integral to future connectivity improvements. Additionally, GeoCables will monitor for any secondary seismic activity that could impact the infrastructure. The resilience of the submarine cable network in this seismically active zone underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and investment in robust technologies to safeguard global communication networks.