Sep 3 2007
Fujitsu Limited today announced the signing of an agreement with Pacific Crossing Limited (PCL) to increase the transmission capacity of its trans-Pacific submarine cable network (PC-1 Network). This capacity upgrade is to cope with the rapid growth of data traffic demand in the Pacific region due to the spread of worldwide internet usage.
Network Conceptual Diagram
(Japan sites - 1: Mie prefecture, 2: Ibaraki prefecture; U.S. sites - 3: Harbour Pointe, Washington, 4: Grover Beach, California)
The PC-1 network is PCL's 21,000 km fiber optic system which links the U.S. and Japan. Fujitsu will upgrade the PC-1 network adding an additional 200 Gbps of capacity on each of the four segments of the trans-Pacific network. (See: Figure 1). The turn-key deal carries an option for an additional 100 Gbps upgrade of capacity. Under terms of the agreement, PCL's PC-1 system will be lit to at least 390 Gbps of capacity on each segment of its protected network by the first quarter of 2008. This could increase to at least 490 Gbps by the second quarter of 2008 if PCL exercises its upgrade option.
Terumi Chikama, Executive Vice President, Telecom Business Group, in charge of photonic systems of Fujitsu Limited said, "Fujitsu is delighted to have been awarded the upgrade of the PC-1 network, given its significant role as a backbone to support the rapidly growing traffic demands for the trans-Pacific region. I believe this win is attributable to the strong presence and track record in the global market of our advanced FLASHWAVE S650® submarine wavelength divisional multiplexer. (See: Figure 2) We will continue to work closely with PCL to maximize the performance and expandability of the PC-1 network.
"Almost doubling our existing capacity positions Pacific Crossing as a leader in commercial trans-Pacific data transmissions," said Roderick Boss, Chief Executive Officer of PCL. "We couldn't be happier with the teamwork between our company and the experts at Fujitsu."
Mr. Boss said customer demand drove the need for PCL to increase its network capabilities. This upgrade will compliment PCL's current U.S. backhaul build which will connect major points of presence on the West coast. "This network upgrade gives us the added ability to provision bandwidth for new customers and add new revenue streams," he commented. "Our customers can feel secure in the integrity of their data transmissions because Fujitsu conducted thorough testing on the configuration, and the agreement calls for ensured reliability."