A Trusted Subsea Link Could Reshape Asia’s Data Routes

SubConnex and USTDA advance the SCNX-3 cable with a US$3.2m grant to promote secure, diversified data routes across India and Southeast Asia

10 Feb 2026

A quiet change is taking shape beneath the Indian Ocean, and it could carry real weight for how data moves across Asia. A new submarine cable project linking India and Southeast Asia is gaining traction, backed by fresh support from the US Trade and Development Agency.

The project, known as SCNX-3, is being developed by SubConnex. It proposes a direct undersea connection between Chennai and Singapore, with scope to extend deeper into Southeast Asia. While still at an early stage, the effort stands out for what it is not chasing. Instead of headline capacity claims, it is focused on reliability, transparency, and long-term resilience.

That focus reflects how the role of data infrastructure is changing. As cloud services, digital trade, and financial platforms spread across borders, the quality and trustworthiness of cables matter as much as raw speed. A single failure can ripple across markets, disrupting services far from the point of damage.

Early momentum comes from a USTDA grant of about US$3.2 million to fund feasibility studies. The agency is also promoting the use of trusted vendors and open standards, signaling a more active public role in shaping digital infrastructure where security and economic stability overlap.

SubConnex says SCNX-3 is designed to ease congestion on existing routes between India and Southeast Asia, which already carry heavy traffic. Those systems have little room for error. An additional cable would provide an alternate path, improving network stability and giving operators more flexibility.

The feasibility work is being led by APTelecom, which is examining route options, demand forecasts, and investment requirements. Industry veterans note that these early studies often decide a project’s fate, setting the foundation for financing and customer commitments.

Plenty of challenges remain. Regulatory approvals and the hunt for anchor customers can stall even well-planned cables. Still, the partnership behind SCNX-3 points to a broader trend. Public backing paired with private expertise is becoming a common model as Asia prepares for its next phase of digital growth.

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