Undersea cable Taiwan-Matsu No. 2 has experienced more core wire damage resulting in a complete break according to a Chunghwa Telecom report issued on Sunday. The Digital Ministry is currently investigating the cause of the break and has asked Chunghwa Telecom to activate microwave communications to prevent disruptions between Taiwan and Matsu. Repairs on cable No. 2 are expected to be completed by the end of February.
The Taiwan-Matsu No. 2 and No. 3 undersea cables were completely severed on January 15 due to natural aging. The Digital Ministry stated that the number of cable breaks in Taiwan has been on the rise in recent years. Taiwan currently has 14 international submarine cables and 10 domestic submarine cables. The Digital Ministry has allocated funds to subsidize Chunghwa Telecom’s construction of the Taiwan-Matsu No. 4 cable, which is expected to be completed in June 2026 and will disperse risks, while improving overall network reliability and service quality between Taiwan and Matsu.
The ministry has assured the public that daily life services will not be disrupted during the submarine cable repair period.