• AI and cloud traffic expected to drive the next evolution of FLAG's trans-Pacific network
• New cable offers high-capacity connectivity between Asia and North America
• Dedicated ECHO fiber pair to gain greater scale and efficiency with WaveLogic 6 Extreme

FLAG is deploying Ciena's (NYSE: CIEN) Waveserver platform, equipped with WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) 1.6 Tb/s coherent optics, along a RLS line system on its more than 16,000 km dedicated fiber pair of the ECHO subsea cable system. This upgrade will maximize the performance of one of a limited number of direct cable routes between Singapore and the United States and supports FLAG's vision of connecting major economies worldwide. ECHO adds a new trans-Pacific route to FLAG’s global network, accelerating further growth for FLAG’s Fiber Links Around the Globe (FLAG) proposition.

"Our investment in ECHO enables us to transport rapidly growing volumes of AI, cloud, and enterprise traffic across one of the world's most important digital corridors," said Brad Kneller, Chief Network Officer, FLAG. "Using Ciena’s leading coherent optical technology, we can rapidly bring new 400GbE and 800GbE services to market while delivering the scale, resiliency, and performance our customers require as AI and cloud traffic continue to accelerate.”

"High-capacity subsea routes such as ECHO are essential to supporting the surging digital traffic moving between Asia and North America,” said Amit Malik, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Japan, and India, Ciena. "WL6e enables FLAG to extract greater value from its ECHO fiber pair by optimizing capacity, improving network density and efficiency, and accelerating the introduction of new services.”

Connecting Singapore, Guam, and California, the trans-Pacific route provides enhanced resiliency and direct access to key digital hubs across Asia and North America. The ECHO route complements FLAG's WL6e-powered India Asia Express network and creates a fully integrated, high-performance path linking major data centers and economic hubs across India, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and North America.

Ciena (Booth #H03) and FLAG (Booth #G04) are at the upcoming Submarine Networks World event in Singapore, with Ciena speaking on a keynote and a panel discussion on September 23, 2026.

About FLAG
FLAG is one of the world's largest privately owned subsea cable networks, consisting of multiple interconnected subsea cable systems and terrestrial cables. Our infrastructure provides mission-critical digital connectivity for hyperscalers, telecom carriers, over-the-top content providers, new media providers and enterprises. FLAG has full ownership and operational control over 80,000km of major subsea cables, delivering robust connectivity across strategic global regions including the United States, Europe, the Middle East, India and Asia.

For updates on FLAG, follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/flagtel/ or at our website at www.flagtel.com

About Ciena
Ciena is the global leader in high-speed connectivity. We build the world’s most advanced networks to support exponential growth in bandwidth demand. By harnessing the power of our networking systems, interconnects, automation software, and services, Ciena revolutionizes data transmission and network management. With unparalleled expertise and innovation, we empower our customers, partners, and communities to thrive in the AI era. For updates on Ciena, follow us on LinkedIn or visit the Ciena website.

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