Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is poised to revolutionize internet infrastructure with a $10 billion undersea cable project. The cable, expected to span over 40,000 kilometers, is set to be Meta’s first fully owned submarine network—a milestone that underscores the tech giant’s ambition to control its digital pipelines.
Sources close to the project confirm that Meta plans to own and operate the cable exclusively, marking a significant departure from its past collaborations with telecom giants. The cable’s proposed route would connect the U.S. East Coast to India, passing through South Africa and then looping back to the U.S. West Coast via Australia, creating a “W” shape around the globe. This global connectivity strategy aims to bolster Meta’s dominance in the digital space, supporting its vast network of users and expanding its AI capabilities.
The Road Ahead
The project, which is still in its early stages, is expected to take several years to complete. Initially estimated at $2 billion, the costs could rise beyond $10 billion as the plan develops. Subsea cable experts predict that, due to limited availability of companies like SubCom, the construction timeline will stretch far into the future.
Meta’s decision to take full ownership of the cable is driven by both business and geopolitical considerations. Owning its infrastructure ensures priority access to global data traffic, enabling Meta to serve its users more efficiently. Additionally, the cable’s route deliberately avoids geopolitical hotspots such as the South China Sea and the Red Sea, offering a secure pathway for critical data transmission.
Meta’s AI Ambitions in India
Another key factor in this massive investment is Meta’s interest in India. With over a billion people and growing demand for AI-powered services, India is an ideal location for Meta to expand its infrastructure. The undersea cable will likely support Meta’s plans to build a data center in India, potentially positioning the country as a hub for AI model training.
The cable project highlights Meta’s increasing push into independent infrastructure, a trend that is reshaping the landscape of global tech and connectivity. By investing in its own digital highways, Meta is not only securing its data but also solidifying its future as a global tech leader.
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