FLAG, formerly known as GCX, is strengthening international connectivity across Asia by deploying Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) technology on two critical subsea routes of its India Connectivity Mesh, linking Chennai and Singapore, as well as Mumbai and Singapore. The upgrade aims to support the region’s surging demand for high-capacity data transmission, particularly for artificial intelligence (AI) applications and cloud services.
Boosting bandwidth to meet growing demand
The deployment of Ciena’s GeoMesh Extreme solution, powered by WL6e, will enable FLAG to deliver 400GbE client services immediately, with 800GbE services expected in the near future. These enhancements are designed to accommodate escalating data traffic volumes and improve the overall performance and reliability of the network.
“In today’s hyper-connected world, our ability to deliver high-capacity connectivity that can support artificial intelligence applications and cloud services is key, and we are meeting this requirement with Ciena’s latest WaveLogic technology. FLAG is orchestrating large capacity transmission across the subsea corridors of India, both east and west, to enhance our service offerings and drive stronger connectivity across major data centre hubs,” said Brad Kneller, Chief Network Officer at FLAG.
The upgrade is a significant step in bolstering India’s digital infrastructure as the country continues to experience exponential growth in internet usage and cloud adoption. By strengthening links between key hubs in India and Southeast Asia, FLAG is helping businesses and service providers scale their digital operations with faster, more reliable connections.
Improved efficiency and sustainability
WaveLogic 6 Extreme introduces a major leap in spectral efficiency while cutting space and power consumption per bit by 50% compared with previous-generation technology. This makes it a more sustainable option for increasing capacity, enabling FLAG to expand its network while minimising environmental impact and operational costs.
“Submarine cable operators are working to meet voracious bandwidth demands, drive down operational costs, and improve the sustainability and reliability of their existing cables,” said Amit Malik, Vice President and Sales Leader for India at Ciena. “Ciena’s coherent optical innovations give operators, like FLAG, the ability to flexibly and rapidly add capacity to existing infrastructure, prolonging the lifespan of these cables.”
This improved efficiency is increasingly vital as global data consumption accelerates. With digital transformation driving cloud adoption, video streaming, and AI workloads, the ability to scale capacity sustainably has become a strategic priority for operators and enterprises alike.
Strengthening regional and global links
FLAG’s India Connectivity Mesh plays a crucial role in linking India with key global markets. The network connects eastwards across Asia and westwards towards Europe through the Middle East, providing a backbone for international data traffic. Enhancing capacity on its subsea routes will allow FLAG to deliver more robust and scalable services, supporting the digital ecosystems that power cross-border commerce, communication, and innovation.
The company’s latest investment in WL6e reflects a broader industry shift towards next-generation optical networking solutions that can handle increasing bandwidth requirements without costly new cable deployments. By leveraging Ciena’s technology, FLAG is not only extending the lifespan of its existing infrastructure but also strengthening its position as a key enabler of global connectivity.
As India cements its role as a digital economy powerhouse, upgrades like these will be essential to supporting innovation, data-intensive applications, and international collaboration. FLAG’s expanded capacity is expected to play a significant role in meeting the region’s connectivity needs well into the future.
