Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is reportedly planning to undertake an ambitious project to lay a global undersea internet cable. According to a recent TechCrunch report citing sources close to the company, Meta aims to establish a 40,000-kilometer-long fiber-optic network that will span the globe, with an estimated cost of $10 billion. This colossal investment, aimed at bolstering global connectivity, is poised to significantly expand Meta’s digital infrastructure.
A Global Reach
The proposed subsea cable is expected to connect key regions, including the east coast of the United States, India, South Africa, Australia, and back to the west coast of the United States. Once operational, this cable will provide Meta with a dedicated route for transmitting and receiving data worldwide, reinforcing its dominance in global internet traffic. Currently, Meta accounts for approximately 10% of fixed and 22% of mobile internet traffic worldwide.
This project aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to strengthen its technological backbone and enhance connectivity, particularly in underserved regions. It also reflects the company’s ambition to reduce reliance on third-party infrastructure, granting it greater control over data flow and operational costs.
Investment and Timeline
Meta plans to start with an initial investment of $2 billion, with expenditures expected to escalate to $10 billion as the project advances. While the company has yet to disclose specifics such as the cable’s intended capacity or detailed route, more information is anticipated in early 2025.
However, the journey to operationalizing this project is expected to span several years. Industry experts point out that the execution of such initiatives faces logistical hurdles, including the limited availability of cable-laying ships. Ranulf Scarborough, a submarine cable analyst, noted that these specialized vessels are currently in high demand and booked out for years, potentially impacting project timelines.
Building on Experience
This is not Meta’s first foray into undersea communication infrastructure. The company already co-owns 16 undersea cable networks, including the recently completed 2Africa cable, one of the longest undersea cables ever laid. The 2Africa project connects Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, underscoring Meta’s commitment to bridging connectivity gaps across continents.
The experience gained from such projects is expected to benefit the execution of this new global initiative. Meta’s prior investments have helped address bandwidth demand, support growing user bases, and facilitate rapid data transfers across its platforms.
Strategic Implications
The undersea cable project represents a strategic move to bolster Meta’s capabilities in a competitive tech landscape. By owning and controlling a global fiber-optic network, Meta can secure uninterrupted data flow for its services, reduce latency, and improve user experience.
Moreover, the investment may aid Meta’s ambitions in emerging markets. Regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America stand to benefit from enhanced internet connectivity, which could unlock new user bases and revenue streams for Meta’s platforms and services.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its potential, the project comes with challenges. The immense cost and technical complexity of deploying such infrastructure pose significant risks. Additionally, regulatory and geopolitical considerations could arise as the cable spans multiple countries and regions, requiring negotiations and compliance with local laws.
Conclusion
If realized, Meta’s global subsea cable would mark a transformative leap in digital connectivity. While the full scope and impact of the project remain to be seen, it underscores Meta’s long-term commitment to shaping the future of global communication. As the tech world waits for further updates, this initiative could redefine how data travels across the planet, reinforcing Meta’s position as a leader in the digital era.
