Unity Submarine Cable System Leverages Infinera’s ICE6 800G Solution to Double Capacity of the US and Japan Link

Rhea-AI Summary

Infinera (NASDAQ: INFN) has announced the deployment of its ICE6 800G coherent optical solution to enhance the trans-Pacific Unity Submarine Cable System, which connects Japan and the U.S. This upgrade will double the system's capacity, allowing for up to 7.4 Tb/s per fiber pair, while extending the cable's lifespan by nearly 25%. The upgrade will minimize costs and maximize efficiency for operators. The Unity system is a consortium that includes major players like Google and KDDI Corp. Infinera's technology aims to meet growing bandwidth demands on both sides of the Pacific, enhancing service quality for customers.

Positive

• Deployment of ICE6 technology will double capacity on the Unity Submarine Cable System.
• Extension of cable lifespan by nearly 25%.
• Ability to deliver up to 7.4 Tb/s per fiber pair, improving bandwidth capabilities.
• Reduction in cost per bit, enhancing economic efficiency for operators.

Negative

• None.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Infinera (NASDAQ: INFN) announced today that Infinera’s ICE6 800G coherent optical solution has been deployed to modernize and increase capacity on the trans-Pacific Unity Submarine Cable System, which spans 9,620 kilometers and provides operators with a direct cable route linking Japan and the U.S. By upgrading to Infinera’s ICE6 solution, the cable system will double capacity and provide operators with the highest capacity services at the lowest cost per bit.

The Unity Submarine Cable System is a subsea consortium representing Bharti Airtel Limited, Global Transit Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of TIME), Google, KDDI Corp., Telstra, and Singtel. By upgrading the network to ICE6, the consortium will be able to increase the life span of the cable by nearly 25% and deliver up to 7.4 Tb/s per fiber pair. This modernization with Infinera’s ICE6-powered GX Series solution also enables operators to get the most out of the subsea cable by minimizing cost per bit while maximizing the spectral efficiency and fiber capacity. This level of performance is achieved by leveraging Infinera’s unique and innovative solution features that include Nyquist subcarriers, forward error correction gain sharing, and photonic integrated circuit-based technology.

“Infinera’s innovative ICE6 technology was selected to upgrade our system because it enables us to extend the life of the Unity Submarine Cable System while providing the highest level of quality for our customers,” said the Unity consortium. “The Unity Submarine Cable System is a critical connection between two continents with the fastest growing bandwidth needs. We needed an industry-leading solution that would enable us to be competitive now and in the future.”

“The Unity Submarine Cable System is one of the highest-capacity underwater fiber optic cables ever built between Asia and North America, and Infinera is proud to power it with our latest optical engine technology,” said Nick Walden, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Infinera. “The increased capacity will help operators in Asia and the U.S. meet the increasing bandwidth demands on both sides of the Pacific.”

Contacts:

Media:
Anna Vue
Tel. +1 (916) 595-8157
avue@infinera.com

Investors:
Amitabh Passi
Head of Investor Relations
Tel. +1 (669) 295-1489
apassi@infinera.com

About Infinera
Infinera is a global supplier of innovative open optical networking solutions that enable carriers, cloud operators, governments, and enterprises to scale network bandwidth, accelerate service innovation, and automate network operations. Infinera solutions deliver industry-leading economics and performance in long-haul, submarine, data center interconnect, and metro transport applications. To learn more about Infinera, visit www.infinera.com, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and subscribe for updates.

Infinera and the Infinera logo are registered trademarks of Infinera Corporation.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the ability of Infinera’s ICE6-powered GX Series solution to increase the life span, bandwidth and performance of the Unity Submarine Cable System. These statements are not guarantees of results and should not be considered as an indication of future activity or future performance. Actual results may vary materially from these expectations as a result of various risks and uncertainties. Information about these risks and uncertainties, and other risks and uncertainties that affect Infinera’s business, is contained in the risk factors section and other sections of Infinera’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Fiscal Quarter ended September 24, 2022 as filed with the SEC on November 2, 2022, as well as any subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. These reports are available on Infinera’s website at www.infinera.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies and can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will,” and “would” or similar words. Infinera assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update any such forward-looking statements.

FAQ

What is the significance of Infinera's ICE6 800G deployment for the Unity Submarine Cable System?

The ICE6 800G deployment will double the capacity and extend the life span of the Unity Submarine Cable System, a crucial link between Japan and the U.S.

How much capacity will the Unity Submarine Cable System have after the upgrade?

After the upgrade, the cable system will have the potential to deliver up to 7.4 Tb/s per fiber pair.

Who are the key players involved in the Unity Submarine Cable System?

The Unity Submarine Cable System is a consortium that includes Bharti Airtel Limited, Global Transit, Google, KDDI Corp., Telstra, and Singtel.

What financial benefits does Infinera's ICE6 technology provide?

Infinera's ICE6 technology minimizes the cost per bit while maximizing spectral efficiency and fiber capacity, providing substantial economic benefits for operators.

When was the announcement made regarding Infinera's upgrade to the Unity Submarine Cable System?

The announcement was made on January 16, 2023.