Hong Kong Hosts Successful Launch Ceremony for ADC Submarine Cable
The launch ceremony of the ADC Submarine Cable’s commissioning in Hong Kong on March 24, 2025, was a resounding success. The event, held at the Everbright Centre, brought together a prestigious gathering of over a hundred distinguished guests, including notable figures from the political and business sectors, industry experts, and representatives from leading media organizations.
The ADC Submarine Cable project is a collaborative effort between China Telecom, China Unicom, Singapore Telecom, Japan’s SoftBank, TATA Communications, Vietnam’s VIETTEL, Thailand’s NT, and the Philippines’ PLDT. As the only international submarine cable initiative launched in the Asia-Pacific region in the past nine years, it boasts the highest system transmission capacity and the largest number of fiber pairs in the region. Spanning 9,988 kilometers, the ADC Submarine Cable connects mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and several other countries and regions across the Asia-Pacific. With a per-fiber pair design capacity exceeding 20 Tb/s and a total system capacity surpassing 160 Tb/s, the cable features cutting-edge high-capacity optical transmission technology and an open cable architecture. By providing diverse routing options, the ADC Submarine Cable significantly enhances network resilience and stability across the Asia-Pacific, strengthening the region’s digital infrastructure.
During the event, Prof. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry of the Government of HKSAR, highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a key gateway for the country’s opening-up. Leveraging its strategic positions as a “super connector” and “super value-adder,” Hong Kong aims to support the global expansion of mainland enterprises while attracting international businesses. The Hong Kong SAR Government is dedicated to enhancing the innovation and technology ecosystem through institutional innovation, policy coordination, and international collaboration. Industry leaders, such as China Telecom, are encouraged to seize the opportunities presented by the digital economy, intensify R&D efforts in artificial intelligence and big data, and contribute to Hong Kong’s innovation and technology landscape.
Ms. Liu Ying, Executive Vice President of China Telecommunications Corporation Ltd. (China Telecom), emphasized that the official launch of the ADC Submarine Cable signifies a significant milestone in international cooperation. China Telecom’s international business will continue to leverage Hong Kong as a strategic hub to foster an open and collaborative ecosystem, drive digital technology innovation, and accelerate the growth of the digital economy. By delivering more efficient, secure, and intelligent communication services to global users, China Telecom aims to build a dynamic, inclusive, and mutually beneficial digital landscape in collaboration with industry partners.
Mr. Yin Jin, CEO of China Telecom Global, shared that the ADC Submarine Cable will add over 50 Tb/s of bandwidth capacity to the Asia-Pacific region, supporting the increasing data demand driven by artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing. This high-speed and resilient submarine communication network not only enhances international telecommunications cooperation but also plays a vital role in fostering the high-quality development of the digital economy. China Telecom Global is accelerating the development of major infrastructure projects in Hong Kong, including the Tseung Kwan O Data Center, the Chung Hom Kok Cable Landing Station, and the New Eurasia and New Asia-Pacific submarine cables. The company is also strengthening its R&D capabilities through the establishment of AI and cybersecurity innovation centers, reaffirming its commitment to driving technological progress and contributing to Hong Kong’s continued prosperity.
As the backbone of the global internet, submarine cables are crucial for international data transmission. China Telecom plans to collaborate with major global operators to promote more submarine cable construction projects, reinforcing the infrastructure that supports 5G, AI, and digital technologies. By enhancing global connectivity, the company aims to accelerate the digital transformation landscape and contribute to the high-quality advancement of the digital economy.
In conclusion, the successful launch of the ADC Submarine Cable in Hong Kong marks a significant step forward in international cooperation and technological progress. The cable’s high system transmission capacity and advanced technology will enhance network resilience and stability across the Asia-Pacific region, reinforcing the digital infrastructure. As key players in the industry, China Telecom and its partners are committed to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the growth of the digital economy. The future looks promising as more projects and initiatives are set to further enhance global connectivity and technological advancement. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting developments in the world of telecommunications.
