What's Happening?
Telin, Telkom Indonesia's international arm, has announced the extension of the Indonesia Cable Express II (ICE II) submarine cable system to East Malaysia. The expansion involves a memorandum of understanding with ITCO Niaga, a Malaysian engineering firm, to develop the cable system in Sabah. The ICE II system will establish a new eastward route through Manado, enhancing telecom network resilience in Southeast Asia. This initiative aims to mitigate congestion risks and provide scalable capacity for cloud computing, digital services, and enterprise connectivity. The project is part of Telin's ICE program, which plans to build seven cable systems connecting Indonesia to various global regions by 2028.
Why It's Important?
The extension of the ICE II cable system to East Malaysia represents a significant investment in Southeast Asia's digital infrastructure. Enhanced connectivity will drive socio-economic growth, broaden digital inclusivity, and increase regional competitiveness. The project supports Malaysia's digital transformation objectives, particularly in Sabah, by improving Internet access and empowering local businesses. By fostering greater regional integration, the initiative contributes to the advancement of Southeast Asia's digital ecosystem, facilitating economic development and technological innovation.