The global subsea cable industry is poised for a significant expansion as Datawave Networks and Cerberus Capital Management announce a landmark partnership to develop the Singapore–India–Gulf (SING) Cable System. This next-generation fiber optic infrastructure project represents a strategic response to surging bandwidth demands across one of the world’s most economically vibrant regions.
Strategic Investment Powers Regional Digital Infrastructure
Cyprus-based subsea infrastructure provider Datawave Networks has secured a binding investment and financing agreement with Cerberus Capital Management, a prominent global alternative investment firm. Under the terms of this agreement, Cerberus will acquire a majority ownership stake in Datawave while simultaneously providing project financing to support the construction and deployment of the SING subsea cable system.
This substantial financial commitment positions the project to enter full execution phase, addressing the exponential growth in international bandwidth requirements along a critically important digital corridor connecting Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.
Next-Generation Subsea Cable System Specifications
The SING cable system represents cutting-edge subsea telecommunications technology designed to meet both current and future connectivity demands. Datawave has partnered with a leading U.S.-based subsea cable systems supplier for the design, manufacturing, and deployment phases, with the system targeting a Ready for Service date in 2030.
The planned infrastructure will feature landing points in six strategically selected locations: Muscat, Oman; Kalba, United Arab Emirates; Mumbai and Chennai, India; Kedah, Malaysia; and Singapore. This configuration creates a high-capacity, low-latency network linking major digital hubs across three distinct geographical regions.
Technical specifications include 16 fiber pairs, with each pair engineered to deliver a minimum capacity of 18 terabits per second. This scalable architecture ensures the system can accommodate future bandwidth growth driven by emerging technologies and expanding digital economies.
Addressing Critical Connectivity and Route Diversity Needs
The SING cable system addresses multiple strategic objectives within the global telecommunications infrastructure landscape. Beyond providing enhanced bandwidth capacity, the system offers flexible and resilient connectivity solutions with onward routes from Oman and the UAE extending to Europe, while simultaneously strengthening regional interconnection within the Middle East, including connections to Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
The subsea cable infrastructure is expected to play a pivotal role supporting the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and hyperscale data center facilities across India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the broader Gulf region. As existing cables approach retirement, SING provides essential route diversity along the globally critical east-west digital corridor.
Industry Leaders Highlight Strategic Importance
Mark Wickham, CEO of Datawave Networks, emphasized the significance of the Cerberus partnership: “We are truly excited to partner with Cerberus in taking the next step towards bringing the SING cable system into fruition in one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing digital regions. SING is exceptionally well positioned to meet future connectivity demand driven by significant investments in AI and cloud infrastructure.”
Gabriel Schulze, representing Cerberus, highlighted the project’s unique positioning: “What attracted us to the SING project is its unique positioning connecting centers of substantial current and future growth. SING also delivers critical route diversity along the globally important east–west corridor. With anchor customer commitments already in place, we anticipate strong market adoption.”
Future-Proofing Regional Digital Growth
As digital transformation accelerates across Asia and the Middle East, submarine cable systems like SING become increasingly critical to supporting economic development, technological innovation, and international connectivity. This investment underscores growing confidence in the region’s digital future and the essential role of robust telecommunications infrastructure.
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About Datawave
The Datawave Group is an independent digital infrastructure provider focused on subsea fibre optic cable connectivity. Datawave Networks Private Ltd, the Group’s Indian subsidiary, secured its International Long Distance (ILD) license in March 2022 and will act as the Landing Party for SING in India. Datawave’s Singapore subsidiary is expected to serve as the Landing Party in Singapore, with all remaining landing party arrangements already established. Visit www.datawavenetworks.com.
About Cerberus
Founded in 1992, Cerberus is a global alternative investment firm with approximately $70 billion in assets across complementary credit, real estate, and private equity strategies. Cerberus invests across the capital structure where it believes its integrated investment platforms and proprietary operating capabilities can help improve performance and drive long-term value. Cerberus’ tenured teams have experience working collaboratively across asset classes, sectors, and geographies as they seek to achieve strong risk-adjusted returns for investors. For more information, visit www.cerberus.com.
