NEC to supply submarine optical cable that will connect U.S. and the Republic of Palau

Palau Cable 2 Submarine Network Strengthens Island Links

Japan’s NEC Corporation (nec.com) and the Belau Submarine Cable Corporation (BSCC) (palaucable.com) have partnered to construct the Palau Cable 2 submarine network. This new project connects Palau to the Southeast Asia–United States (SEA–US) fiber cable, enhancing speed, redundancy, and digital access across the Pacific region.

Palau Cable 2 Submarine Network Extends Global Reach

The Palau Cable 2 system spans approximately 110 kilometers and directly links Palau with the SEA–US cable between Southeast Asia and the U.S. mainland. NEC expects to complete construction by the end of 2022. Meanwhile, BSCC continues operating the national fiber network to maintain fast and stable communication for residents and businesses.

Advanced 100Gbps Transmission Improves Reliability

Using NEC’s newest wavelength multiplexing technology, the Palau Cable 2 submarine network delivers speeds up to 100 Gbps. This project builds on the first optical cable NEC installed in Palau in 2017. As a result, it boosts network reliability, capacity, and data performance—critical for supporting Palau’s growing digital infrastructure.

Strengthening Palau’s Role in Oceania

Palau consists of eight main islands and more than 250 smaller ones located roughly 500 miles southeast of the Philippines. With the completion of PC2, the island nation gains a robust connection to global data routes. Moreover, this advancement improves communication throughout Oceania and supports the region’s economic and digital growth.

NEC Expands Micronesian Connectivity

According to Total Telecom (totaltele.com), NEC began developing three submarine cables in Micronesia in 2017, linking Palau, Yap, and Chuuk to the SEA–US network. Additionally, OCC Corporation (occ.nec.com), an NEC subsidiary, manufactures fiber optic cables that can withstand ocean depths of up to 8,000 meters, ensuring reliable long-term performance.

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