Google’s Topaz Project Expands Global Data Network
Google announced a new undersea fiber optic cable called Topaz, designed to connect Canada and Japan through a high‑capacity transpacific data link. The Google Topaz undersea cable project will run between Vancouver and Port Alberni in British Columbia to Mie and Ibaraki prefectures in Japan.
Once complete, Topaz will become the first transpacific cable route directly linking the two countries, improving cloud performance and connectivity between North America and Asia. Google expects the system to be ready for service in 2023.
Unprecedented Speed and Network Capacity
According to Google, the Topaz system includes 16 fiber pairs capable of transferring data at speeds of up to 240 terabits per second. The cable will provide low‑latency access to services such as Search, Gmail, YouTube, and Google Cloud.
Additionally, it will expand capacity and reliability for regional internet providers and enterprise networks in both Japan and Canada. With faster data flow and decreased latency, users can expect improved performance across multiple digital platforms.
Collaboration with Indigenous and Local Partners
Google is collaborating with First Nations and community partners in British Columbia and Japan to support the Topaz initiative. These include the Hupacasath, Maa‑nulth, and Tseshaht First Nations, who are working together with Google to complete the project responsibly and sustainably.
This collaboration highlights Google’s commitment to community engagement and shared growth through digital infrastructure development. The company also reinforces its dedication to sustainable technology solutions in areas where new cable systems are deployed.
Expanding Google’s Global Subsea Cable Network
With the Topaz project, Google’s subsea network now includes more than 20 major cable systems worldwide. These projects include Curie, Dunant, Equiano, Firmina, and Grace Hopper, as well as consortium cables such as Blue, Echo, Havfrue, and Raman.
Together, these cables connect 29 Google Cloud regions, 88 availability zones, and 146 edge network locations across more than 200 countries and territories. As a result, Google continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in advanced data connectivity and secure cloud infrastructure.
