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Something called the Southeast Asia Japan Cable (SJC) is coming into being, and Google's one of several companies that's behind it, according to a new report.  The new undersea fiber optic project should tie into another Google-related cable, the transpacific Unity.

A TeleGeography article states that the SJC "would link Unity's landing station in Japan to Guam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore."  Also, "The members of the SJC consortium are nearly identical to Unity with a few exceptions.  Companies that are participating in both consortia are Google, Bharti, SingTel, KDDI and Global Transit."

 Planned Route Of The Southeast Asia Japan Cable
(Image Credit: Telegeography.com)

It seems there's little to do other than wait for the thing to get built, then, with all these details already taken care of.  Since the first rumors of Unity appeared in September of 2007, and it's facing an early 2010 completion date, think 2011 for the SJC.

This development should give Google a real advantage (higher speeds, lower costs) over its competitors in Asia.  It also speaks to the company's long-term commitment to the region, even if it's not doing so well in certain countries at the moment.

A hat tip goes to Om Malik, who noted for comparison's sake, "The Unity cable is expected to cost about $300 million."