Investments in MIST, I2SEA and ECHO in line with its Vision 2030 strategy to provide multiple paths for resilient connectivity
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, 29 September 2026 – FLAG, one of the world’s largest privately owned subsea cable operators, today announced a series of strategic network investments spanning India, Asia and key Trans-Pacific corridors, further strengthening connectivity between these regions and the United States.
The investments include participation in the MIST and I2SEA cable systems, building on FLAG’s previous investment in a Fibre Pair on the ECHO Trans-Pacific system. These form part of FLAG’s Vision 2030 strategy to expand critical fibre infrastructure, increase capacity and provide customers with more resilient connectivity options across key international markets.
As enterprise, cloud and AI-driven data traffic continues to grow, organisations increasingly require multiple network paths to support uptime, redundancy and business continuity. FLAG is investing in strategically important markets where geopolitical, regulatory and infrastructure factors can make connectivity more complex. This series of investments gives customers access to more geographically diverse, reliable routes into hard-to-reach regions, reducing reliance on legacy corridors.
Paul Abfalter, CEO of FLAG, commented: “Through our Vision 2030 strategy and future investment plans, we are focused on expanding our network reach and becoming the provider of choice for customers requiring long haul connectivity in the Indo-Pacific region. Following on from the success of our existing India-Singapore India Asia Express investment, these new investments will provide 4 diverse paths to Mumbai. The I2SEA investment is a great example of FLAG ramping up our investments in new subsea builds and in unique long haul terrestrial capability. Stay tuned for further investment announcements next quarter.”
Through an agreement with Orient Lines (OLL), owner of the MIST cable system, FLAG will add capacity between Mumbai and Singapore. The system has been operational since 2024, with FLAG services to be available from October 2026.
FLAG has also contracted with Lightstorm to participate in the I2SEA cable system, in a fibre pair which will connect Machilipatnam, Chennai and Singapore. As part of the project, the company is investing in the terrestrial segments between Mumbai and Chennai, further strengthening its infrastructure footprint in India. The system is expected to enter service in 2029.
More information about FLAG’s global network and connectivity solutions is available at www.flagtel.com.
About FLAG
FLAG is one of the largest privately owned subsea cable operators globally. With a network spanning 180+ countries, the company delivers high-speed digital connectivity via seven subsea and six terrestrial cables. Serving hyperscalers and enterprises, FLAG offers flexible capacity solutions across key routes in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the USA, ensuring reliable, neutral connectivity for mission-critical data. Additionally, the company provides scalable modular data centres for high-performance computing and storage at edge locations and cable landing stations. https://flagtel.com/
Media contact
The Flywheelers on behalf of FLAG: FLAG@theflywheelers.com