Meta has announced a major step forward in global internet infrastructure introducing Candle, a next-generation subsea cable connecting East and Southeast Asia, along with key updates across its Asia-Pacific connectivity projects.
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is home to more than 58% of the world’s internet users, many of whom rely on stable, high-speed connectivity to access digital services, cloud platforms, and AI-driven technologies. To meet this growing demand, Meta continues to invest in advanced network systems that enable faster, more reliable, and more resilient internet experiences across the globe.
Introducing Candle: Asia-Pacific’s Largest-Capacity Subsea Cable
Meta’s newest project, Candle, will be the largest-capacity subsea cable system in the Asia-Pacific region, spanning over 8,000 kilometers and connecting Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Set to go live in 2028, Candle will deliver an impressive 570 terabits per second (Tbps) of capacity enough to support hundreds of millions of users and emerging digital technologies. The system will utilize cutting-edge 24 fiber-pair cable technology, developed in collaboration with leading telecom partners across the region, bringing bandwidth performance on par with Meta’s largest cable to date, Anjana.
Expanding Transpacific Connectivity: Bifrost, Echo, and Apricot
Meta has also shared progress on three major subsea cable systems that are reshaping transpacific internet routes:
- Bifrost now connects Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the United States, with an expansion to Mexico expected in 2026. This route adds over 260 Tbps of new capacity and provides an alternative path for data traffic between Asia and the Americas.
- Echo currently delivers 260 Tbps between Guam and California, strengthening cross-Pacific data flow with future expansion options deeper into Asia.
- Apricot, now operational between Japan, Taiwan, and Guam, will soon extend to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore. The 12,000-kilometer system will offer 290 Tbps of capacity, working in tandem with Bifrost and Echo to create a high-performance regional network.
Together, these systems will enhance intra-Asia connectivity and build transpacific bridges linking billions of people and businesses across the Asia-Pacific and the Americas.
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Building the Future of Global Connectivity
Beyond Asia, Meta’s broader subsea portfolio includes initiatives like 2Africa, which connects the African continent to India, the Middle East, and Europe, and Project Waterworth, Meta’s most ambitious project yet, expected to connect five continents by the end of the decade.
These large-scale investments are designed to support Meta’s mission to make technologies like AI and personal superintelligence accessible to everyone empowering communities, businesses, and innovators worldwide.
Strengthening Digital Infrastructure for Billions
Meta’s continued investment in subsea and terrestrial infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific underscores its commitment to building a faster, more resilient, and inclusive internet. By collaborating with regional partners and advancing cable technology, Meta aims to deliver the next generation of connectivity that fuels digital growth and innovation for billions of people across APAC and beyond.