ION Network Expands ICS1 Subsea Cable Capacity

John Tanner, Developing Telecoms
August 21, 2026

ION Network, also known as Parsaoran Global Datatrans, is upgrading its 2,000-km ION Cable System 1 with Ciena WaveLogic 6 Extreme coherent optics on the route between Jakarta and Singapore. The project is designed to strengthen long-haul connectivity by combining subsea infrastructure with protected terrestrial paths across Sumatra.

The system, known as ICS1, will also rely on Ciena 6500 platforms and Layer 0 control-plane capabilities. According to the reported specifications, the network will support wavelength services of up to 1.2 Tbps, with end-to-end capacity reaching 24 Tb/s and total aggregate capacity of 288 Tbps across six segments and two fiber pairs. Ciena said the control layer is intended to improve service availability and operational efficiency.

ION CTO Daniel Simanjuntak said the upgrade is intended to enhance service reliability for more than 250,000 homes in Bali, Java, and Sumatra, while also helping the company expand fiber-to-the-home coverage. The operator aims to use the stronger backbone to support growing demand for broadband and transport services across the region.

ICS1 is scheduled to enter service at the end of the year. ION already deploys Ciena technology on the B3JS and BDMCS systems, reflecting an ongoing relationship between the two companies as ION continues to scale its network infrastructure.

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