The Subsea Race Heats Up Across Asia

SoftBank and Meta advance the Candle cable to boost Asia’s network capacity; firms should prepare for rising data demand and new regional routes

24 Nov 2025

Asia’s digital infrastructure is set for a significant expansion as a new wave of subsea cable construction gathers pace. At the centre is Candle, a long-planned system backed by SoftBank, Meta and several regional operators, intended to meet rising demand for bandwidth across the region.

The 8,000km cable will link Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Its launch comes as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cross-border digital services increase pressure on existing routes. Meta has estimated Candle’s capacity at about 570 terabits per second, underscoring how much traffic operators expect to handle in the coming years.

Executives involved in the project say current networks are struggling to keep up. A SoftBank representative described reliable connectivity as “essential as electricity”, adding that new pathways were needed to reduce congestion. A Meta spokesperson said Candle would form a key part of the region’s “digital backbone” for emerging technologies.

The initiative also highlights a broader effort to improve resilience. Asia’s subsea corridors face natural risks, crowded landing points and more complex rules on cable placement. By widening access to additional shores and renewing older routes, operators aim to reduce the likelihood of outages and strengthen regional connectivity.

Analysts view Candle as a possible turning point. Industries such as entertainment, logistics and high-value manufacturing are expanding in Asia, prompting operators to build networks capable of supporting larger data flows. One regional analyst noted that investments of this scale often trigger new innovation and intensify competition.

Several hurdles remain. Environmental rules are becoming stricter, while the number of specialised repair vessels remains limited. Analysts argue that these constraints are pushing the industry towards more careful planning and deeper partnerships.

As Candle approaches its construction phase, expectations are rising that more ambitious systems will follow, offering faster services and more stable links for businesses and consumers across Asia.