Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Powers Up Global Connectivity with Trans-Pacific Undersea Cable

Boosting AI and Strengthening Asia-Pacific Hub Status with the E2A System

Taipei, Taiwan – Chunghwa Telecom, a leading telecommunications provider in Taiwan, is set to significantly enhance global digital connectivity by joining an international consortium to construct a new trans-Pacific undersea cable.

The "E2A system," slated for completion in the second half of 2028, will stretch approximately 12,500 kilometers, linking Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the United States. The project underscores Taiwan's commitment to remaining a vital hub in the Asia-Pacific region for digital infrastructure.

Joining Chunghwa Telecom in this ambitious endeavor are SoftBank Corp. from Japan, SK Broadband Co. from South Korea, and Verizon Business Global LLC from the United States. Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) of France has been selected to build the cutting-edge fiber optic network.

The E2A system will strategically connect major digital hubs across Asia and North America, with landing points in Maruyama (Chiba, Japan), Toucheng (Taiwan), Busan (South Korea), and Morro Bay (California). Chunghwa Telecom emphasizes that the increasing demand from AI applications and cloud computing necessitates ultra-high-capacity, low-latency infrastructure.

The company anticipates the E2A system, designed with sustainability principles in mind, will offer unparalleled performance, scalability, and reliability. It is expected to provide a significant boost to AI development during the current boom.

Chunghwa Telecom highlights that the E2A system will integrate with existing undersea cable projects such as the Southeast Asia-Japan Cable 2 (SJC2) and Apricot, which are currently under construction. This strategic interconnectivity further strengthens Taiwan's position as a critical connectivity hub within the Asia-Pacific region.

Chien Chih-cheng (簡志誠), Chairman of Chunghwa Telecom, stated that the company is committed to expanding its AI operations. This includes building undersea cables, fiber optic networks, mobile communications, microwaves and satellite support to offer a broader range of services and to attract more multinational companies to Taiwan.

Chunghwa Telecom expects the E2A system to drive sales and enhance network connectivity. The company's financial performance continues to be robust. In 2024, Chunghwa Telecom reported earnings per share of NT$4.80, up from NT$4.76 in 2023, marking the seventh consecutive year of year-on-year EPS growth.