Tata Communications and Hong Kong-based, PCCW Global, subsidiary of PCCW Ltd launched the TGN-Intra Asia Cable System (TGN-IA) which the tie-up claims is the first direct, point-to-point and express optical fibre submarine cable interconnecting key PoPs in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore with extensions available to Philippines as well as Vietnam.

The new system is expected to be operational by July 2009 and will be 6,700 km long.

The system is able to withstand earth quakes and other calamities in the region. Promising to offer faster connectivity, the aggregate bandwidth speed will be 3.84 tera bits per second. It is expected to compliment other cable systems in the region including APCN-2 and RNAL.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Marc Halbfinger, Chief Executive Officer of PCCW Global, said, “We are proud to have ownership of the TGN-Intra Asia Cable System. This new cable will significantly increase our network’s capacity, providing our customers with greater flexibility and route diversity, and meeting the demand for Internet, TV broadcast, enterprise connectivity and applications, and all forms of data and voice services.”

Commenting on the launch of the TGN-IA cable, Vinod Kumar, President and Chief Operating Officer of Tata Communications, said, “The TGN-IA cable system is an integral part of the growing Tata Global Network. When combined with our other wholly-owned and operated cable systems like TIC and the TGN-Pacific system, TGN-IA will complete Tata Communications’ multi-terabit capability from India to Asia and onward to the United States. We are proud to partner with PCCW Global on the TGN-IA system as it bolsters our common goal of continued growth and development within the Asia Pacific region.”