Cross-Straits Cable Network (CSCN)

Overview

Cross-Straits Cable Network (CSCN) is a regional submarine cable system connecting Dadeng Island on the Chinese mainland with Guanyin Mountain and Guningtou in Taiwan, and Lake Ci in Taiwan. The cable has a total length of 21 km and was ready for service in 2012.

Route and Landings

Dadeng Island, China, China

Guanyin Mountain, Taiwan, Taiwan

Guningtou, Taiwan, Taiwan

Lake Ci, Taiwan, Taiwan

Ownership and Operators

The cable is owned by a consortium including China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, and Chunghwa Telecom.

Status and Timeline

The Cross-Straits Cable Network (CSCN) became ready for service in 2012. The status of the cable is unknown.

Strategic Context

The CSCN connects China and Taiwan, providing a direct fiber-optic path between these two countries. This connection serves as a primary data route and a redundancy option for neighboring cable systems in the region, contributing to the overall mesh of redundant paths that ensure internet traffic remains uninterrupted.

China Mobile is one of the largest mobile telecommunications operators in China, with extensive coverage across the country. Similarly, China Telecom and China Unicom are major state-owned enterprises involved in telecommunication services throughout China. Chunghwa Telecom, based in Taiwan, is a significant player in the Taiwanese telecom market, providing both fixed-line and mobile services.

Given their proximity and historical ties, this direct cable connection can significantly enhance communication efficiency and reliability between the mainland and Taiwan.