The Pacific Light Cable Network (PLCN) is a submarine cable system that spans a distance of approximately 12,800 kilometers (7,950 miles) between Hong Kong and Los Angeles. It is a joint venture between Google, Facebook, and a consortium of six Asian companies, including China Soft Power Technology, Chunghwa Telecom, Cathay Communications, KDDI, Singtel, and Tencent.
The PLCN cable system consists of six fiber pairs, each with a design capacity of 18 terabits per second (Tbps). This makes it one of the fastest and most advanced trans-Pacific cables currently in operation. The cable landing stations are located in Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, and the United States.
The PLCN cable system was first announced in 2015 and was expected to be operational by the end of 2018. However, due to regulatory challenges and geopolitical tensions, the project faced several delays. In 2020, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted the cable system a license to operate, paving the way for it to begin commercial service.
The PLCN cable system provides faster and more reliable internet connectivity between Asia and North America, which is essential for the growing demand for data-intensive applications such as cloud computing, video streaming, and online gaming. It also supports the development of new and innovative technologies that require high-speed and low-latency connections.
Overall, the Pacific Light Cable Network (PLCN) submarine cable is a significant infrastructure project that strengthens the digital connectivity between Asia and North America and supports the growth of the global digital economy.