The MCT system will be utilising the latest dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) 100Gbps technology with an initial capacity of 1.5Tbps and is set to be upgraded to support a maximum of 30Tbps. It will connect to other subsea cable systems, including Telcotech – the only Cambodian member of the Asia-America Gateway – and the 20,000km subsea cable linking Southeast Asia to the US.
EZECOM subsidiary Telcotech, Malaysia Telekom Malaysia Berhad and Symphony Communication of Thailand have celebrated the momentous launching of the MCT cable system and landing station in Cambodia.
“We’ve been waiting a long time for this. We started this project six years ago, and in 2017, everything has finally come together – it’s like a dream come true,” said Paul Blanche-Horgan, CEO of EZECOM, at the launch event last week.
“Probably most important is the impact of the cable on the security of our internet connection. With this cable, we are now directly connected PoP-to-PoP, which means a much more secure connection for Cambodia.”
The cable system consists of three fibre pairs which will link all three countries at their respective cable landing stations at Cherating, Malaysia, Rayong, Thailand, and Sihanoukville in Cambodia.
Rozaimy Rahman, executive vice president of global wholesale at Telekom Malaysia (TM), added: “Malaysia, particularly TM is truly proud to be part of yet another esteemed regional project and to be given the opportunity to partner with Telcotech of Cambodia and Symphony Communication of Thailand in connecting the region. The completion of MCT submarine cable system marks another major milestone for TM as the regional managed wholesale player towards enhancing the ASEAN connectivity.”
In December, TM said the commencement of cable laying works in Cherating, Pahang, had reached the vital implementation stage. MCT has now become Cambodia’s first ever cable system and will now allow an open access for Cambodia’s licensed operators in each of the participating countries.
“This is very big and has high potential for telecommunications in Thailand as it will help enhance SYMPHONY COMMUNICATION’s service potential for both domestic and international connectivity and promoting telecommunication of Thailand and Asian countries,” commented Teerarat Pantarasutra, president of Thailand’s Symphony.
Commenting on the announcement, Mike Constable, CEO of Huawei Marine, which was contracted to design and deploy the system, said: “It is a proud moment for our company to be involved in landing the very first submarine cable into Cambodia and facilitating the economic growth prospects international high-speed connectivity provides. We have deployed the latest technology on this system and successfully delivered the project on time through the challenges of the monsoon season, which exemplifies HMN’s project management capabilities.”
The system makes use of landing stations, of which Cambodia’s landing station called “Mittapheap Landing Station” is located at Otres Beach in Sihanoukville, while Malaysia’s is in Kuantan [Cherating], and at Rayong for Thailand.
