Washington, January 21 – In a significant boost to regional digital connectivity, the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has announced its support for a proposed submarine cable system linking India to Singapore and Southeast Asian data hubs. The agency signed an agreement with SubCom Nex Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. to fund a feasibility study for the SCN3X submarine cable system, which aims to connect nearly 1.85 billion people across the region.
This initiative comes at a critical time when surging digital demands are straining existing networks. The feasibility study, conducted by Florida-based Ape Telecom LLC, will focus on route design, engineering, financial modeling, commercialization planning, and regulatory analysis. USTDA emphasized that the project will attract private investment, mitigate early-stage risks, and enhance capacity for artificial intelligence and cloud-based services.
Deputy Director Thomas R. Hardy highlighted the strategic importance, stating that deploying secure, US-made subsea cable technology is essential to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure from cyber threats and foreign espionage. ‘This project advances our partners’ strategic priorities in South and Southeast Asia while strengthening America’s leadership in the global digital economy,’ Hardy said.
The planned cable route will link Chennai in South India to Singapore, with potential landing points in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. By creating new, resilient data pathways, SCN3X addresses vulnerabilities caused by limited route diversity and frequent outages in current networks. It promises to deliver reliable communication infrastructure for governments, businesses, and citizens alike.
SubCom Nex CEO Simon Jettl described the project as a vital step to fortify the region’s digital backbone. ‘By establishing a new, robust, and trustworthy route between India, Singapore, and key regional hubs, this system will directly contribute to economic growth, digital inclusion, and the rapid expansion of cloud and AI capabilities in one of the world’s most dynamic markets,’ Jettl noted.
USTDA’s involvement underscores the US commitment to secure international networks, reducing risks from cyber dangers and foreign interference. With subsea cables carrying the majority of global internet traffic, this project could open new opportunities for American hardware, software, and service providers to supply trusted solutions across the region, fostering a more secure and interconnected digital future.