Masahiro Soma: Leading the Charge in Submarine Networks

Masahiro Soma, CTO, RTI Cables

“Dream big, start small, but most of all, start.” Visionaries in technology and entrepreneurship are turning their wildest dreams into reality. Fueled by innovation, they’re crafting solutions that reshape our world. Inspired by bold spirits who’ve blazed this trail, these dreamers blend creativity with sheer determination. They begin with a spark of an idea, harnessing technology, and diving headfirst into the entrepreneurial journey, tackling every obstacle with resilience. By mixing technical know-how with business savvy, they achieve personal success and make a real difference in society. With relentless effort and passion, they’re transforming dreams into a better world for us all.

We are glad to introduce one such visionary, Masahiro Soma, the CTO of RTI Cables. His journey in technology and entrepreneurship is truly inspiring. Graduating from the University of Tsukuba with a master’s degree in antennas and propagation, Soma’s passion for science was evident from a young age. After joining NEC Corporation upon graduation, he designed and developed optical transmission equipment. He relished the intricate work of circuit design, both within microchips and on motherboards. Soma spent six years at NEC before moving to International Telecom Japan (ITJ), where he played a pivotal role in deploying telecommunications systems. His responsibilities ranged from developing technical specifications to managing construction work. In 1998, right after ITJ’s acquisition by Japan Telecom, Soma began his first submarine cable construction project with the Japan-US cable system. This milestone marked the beginning of his involvement in numerous cable projects, including APCN2, KJCN, and AJC.

At Japan-US Cable (JUS), Soma led the implementation of digital coherent technology, increasing the system’s design capacity tenfold. This achievement, among others, solidified his reputation in the industry. During Japan Telecom’s acquisition by SoftBank, he oversaw the international IP backbone network and submarine cable systems. It was around this time that he met Russell Matulich, the founder of RTI Cables. Their friendship and shared vision led to the invitation to become the CTO of RTI Cables. Soma’s expertise extends from designing circuits inside microchips to creating data centre buildings. His extensive knowledge spans engineering, commercial, regulatory, and legal matters, making him a well-rounded leader. His reputation and relationships with key industry players across Asia, the Pacific, Oceania, and the US have been instrumental in his success.

Soma’s journey reflects the fusion of technical acumen with entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing how dreams can be turned into reality with relentless effort and passion. His story is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance, illustrating that with the right blend of skills and determination, it’s possible to make a significant impact and leave the world a better place.

Journey in Submarine Cable Leadership

Established in 2013, RTI Cables has flourished under the leadership of visionaries like Masahiro Soma. His early career was no walk in the park, especially when he became the technical working group chairman of the Japan-US Cable project (JUS). Leading a consortium of major carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and NTT, Soma faced a steep learning curve. With no prior experience in international submarine cable projects, he relied heavily on his engineering and technical background. The JUS project involved intense, seven-day meetings every six weeks, requiring decisions on every detail to keep the project on track. Navigating differing interests among consortium members and resolving myriad issues demanded both diplomacy and determination. Despite his inexperience, Soma burned the midnight oil, often reviewing documents until early morning to lead the meetings effectively.

His relentless dedication did not go unnoticed. Recognizing his hard work and commitment, experts within the consortium began to support him. “If you work hard to achieve the goal for a group of people, people will help you,” Soma reflects. This collaborative spirit was instrumental in overcoming the project’s challenges. RTI Cables’ remarkable achievements, including the timely completion of the SEA-US, JGA North, and JGA South cables, are a testament to the team’s expertise and strong industry relationships. Despite geopolitical hurdles affecting projects like HK-G and HKA, RTI Cables continues to thrive, attracting new investors who see immense value in the company’s future. Soma’s journey shows that with perseverance and a bit of help from friends, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

RTI Cables’ Advanced Submarine Network Innovations

RTI Cables stands tall with its distinction in deploying the world’s largest carrier-neutral network, driven by state-of-the-art technologies. Masahiro Soma’s long-haul submarine cable systems—SEA-US, Japan-Guam-Australia North (JGA North), and Japan-Guam-Australia South (JGA South)—incorporate advanced features like low-loss fibre with a large effective area to combat non-linear effects. These systems are meticulously designed, optimising repeater parameters and spacing to ensure optimal optical signal to noise ratios. At the heart of RTI Cables’ success lies “digital coherent” transmission technology, leveraging cutting-edge microchip advancements. This allows for real-time processing of complex algorithms, managing dispersion, phase recovery, and supporting sophisticated modulation formats such as probabilistic constellation shaping. The orchestration of these technologies mirrors a conductor harmonising instruments for maximum bandwidth efficiency.

Core values of innovation and end-to-end connectivity define RTI Cables’ strategy, setting them apart in the competitive landscape. Masahiro Soma and his team strategically position their Guam hub beyond conventional routes, offering superior connectivity solutions. With expertise and trusted relationships across the industry, RTI Cables excels at problem-solving and delivering mutual benefits. Their customer-centric approach and reliability cement their reputation as leaders in the submarine cable industry, making them a preferred partner for global connectivity solutions.

Leading with Trust

Masahiro Soma leads RTI Cables with a philosophy of trust and empowerment, allowing his team the freedom to tackle challenges independently. He believes in letting ideas flow naturally and fostering an environment where creativity can flourish organically. As he often says, “I do not micromanage; I empower.”

His leadership journey evolved significantly through chairing consortium groups, where he learned to steer diverse personalities and conflicting interests. Persuading others with compelling logic and rallying them behind a shared vision became his forte. “Leadership is about steering the ship together,” he emphasises.

At RTI Cables, innovation thrives because every team member is not just skilled but also passionate about their work. By encouraging open discussions and embracing diverse viewpoints, Soma ensures that ideas are nurtured and explored fully. Fostering a collaborative spirit fuels creativity and strengthens bonds within the team. Soma’s approach has been pivotal in RTI Cables’ ability to pioneer advancements in submarine network technology while maintaining a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.

Harmony in leadership

Balancing the demands of his role as CTO at RTI Cables with his personal life has been a fulfilling challenge for Masahiro Soma. Working alongside exceptional teammates, each sharing a vision to create a valuable cable network that solves real-world problems, has made the journey meaningful. Emphasising RTI Cables’ ethos of “Solving problems,” as highlighted by founder Russell Matulich, drives their innovative spirit.

Outside of work, Masahiro Soma prioritises spending quality time with his family. Whether it’s their cherished trips to Hawaii or skiing adventures in Hokkaido during the winter, these moments are precious to him. However, he acknowledges the occasional challenge of balancing his dedication to RTI Cables with family time, and he deeply appreciates his wife, Naoko’s support in allowing him to pursue his passion. Looking ahead, amidst ongoing strategic priorities and an active M&A process, RTI Cables aims to expand globally and strengthen its capabilities through strategic partnerships. Their goal is to provide enhanced solutions and expertise to a broader audience, continuing to contribute positively to the tech industry.

For upcoming entrepreneurs and technologists, Masahiro advises maintaining focus on their vision, nurturing collaborative relationships, and relentlessly pursuing innovation. It’s about solving challenges and making a lasting impact, which remains central to their mission at RTI Cables.