Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is supporting the integration of trusted U.S. technology in the proposed SCNX3 submarine cable system, a critical infrastructure project connecting India with Singapore and key Southeast Asian data center hubs. Today, the Agency announced it signed an agreement with SubConnex Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (SubConnex) to fund the project’s feasibility study, which will help catalyze investment for a system that would serve nearly 1.85 billion people and expand capacity for artificial intelligence technologies. By enabling the deployment of secure cable technology, the study will help ensure that international networks remain reliable and free from malign foreign influence, while creating new opportunities for American businesses and supporting the digital ambitions of partner countries in Asia. USTDA and SubConnex signed the agreement at the Pacific Telecommunications Council 26 conference in Honolulu, Hawaii.
“Deploying secure, U.S.-made subsea cable technology is essential to protecting sensitive data and critical infrastructure from cyberattacks and foreign espionage,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director. “This project both advances the strategic priorities of our partners in South and Southeast Asia and reinforces America’s leadership in the global digital economy.”
SubConnex has selected Florida-based APTelecom LLC to carry out the study, which will help mobilize investment for the SCNX3 cable by providing U.S. expertise in route design, engineering, financial modeling, commercialization planning, and regulatory analysis. The cable’s routing will connect Chennai, India with Singapore and other potential landings in India, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Construction of the cable will create opportunities for U.S. hardware, software, and services providers to deliver trusted solutions across the region.
The SCNX3 submarine cable will address urgent connectivity challenges in India and Southeast Asia, where rising digital demand and limited route diversity have left networks vulnerable to outages and security risks. By providing new, resilient pathways for data traffic, the project will enhance digital access, support the growth of AI and cloud services, and ensure secure and reliable communications infrastructure for governments, businesses, and citizens throughout the region.
Simon ZETTL, Chief Executive Officer of SubConnex, said: “SCNX3 is a critical step forward for strengthening the digital backbone of South and Southeast Asia. By establishing a new, resilient, and trusted route between India, Singapore, and key regional hubs, this system will directly support economic growth, digital inclusion, and the rapid expansion of cloud and artificial intelligence capabilities across one of the world’s most dynamic markets. USTDA’s support is catalytic — enabling the early-stage technical and commercial work required to de-risk the project, mobilize private capital, and accelerate development timelines. We are proud to partner with USTDA and leading American firms to bring world-class U.S. engineering, network design, and security-focused innovation to this project, ensuring SCNX3 is built on trusted technology and global best-in-class expertise.”
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is the U.S. government’s first mover on critical infrastructure development in emerging markets, advancing the shared strategic priorities of the United States and our overseas partners while creating opportunities to deploy trusted U.S. solutions. USTDA funds the upfront technical work that accelerates the development of infrastructure projects, helping them attract the financing they need for implementation and procurement of U.S. goods and services.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov