Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced plans to construct the world’s longest undersea cable, spanning 50,000km (31,000 miles). Dubbed Project Waterworth, the ambitious initiative aims to connect the United States, India, Brazil, South Africa, and other key regions. The project, which Meta describes as a multi-billion-dollar, multi-year investment, is designed to strengthen global digital connectivity and support the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions.
This new subsea cable will surpass the Earth’s circumference in length and utilize a 24 fiber-pair system, making it the longest and most advanced cable of its kind. Meta says it will enhance connectivity, facilitate digital inclusion, and support economic and technological development across the regions it links.
Backbone of Global Digital Infrastructure
Undersea cables are the foundation of the modern internet, carrying over 95% of intercontinental data traffic, including digital communications, video streaming, and online transactions. According to telecommunications research firm TeleGeography, there are currently more than 600 undersea cable systems worldwide, including Meta-backed projects like the 2Africa cable, which spans 45,000km and connects three continents.
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Project Waterworth will open three new transoceanic corridors with high-speed, high-capacity connectivity, ensuring faster and more reliable global data transmission. The company notes that previous subsea cables typically contained only 8-16 fiber pairs, whereas Waterworth’s 24-pair system will deliver unparalleled bandwidth to meet growing digital demands.
Strengthening AI and Emerging Technologies
Meta is heavily investing in AI, and Waterworth is expected to play a crucial role in supporting AI innovations by enabling faster and more efficient data transfer. The company has been expanding beyond social media, focusing on digital infrastructure to maintain its technological edge.
In a blog post, Meta emphasized that the project aligns with the increasing global need for robust digital highways. With AI playing an ever-greater role in industries ranging from healthcare to finance, stronger and more reliable connectivity is essential for seamless data processing and analysis.
Security and Geopolitical Considerations
The rise of undersea cables as critical infrastructure has sparked growing concerns over their vulnerability to attacks, accidents, and geopolitical conflicts. In January, NATO launched a mission to increase surveillance of ships in the Baltic Sea following damage to key subsea cables in the region. The UK’s National Security Strategy committee also recently called for an assessment of the country’s ability to protect its undersea infrastructure amid concerns about potential threats from Russia and China.
Meta has acknowledged these security risks, stating that Project Waterworth will be laid up to 7,000 meters deep and incorporate enhanced burial techniques in high-risk areas, such as shallow coastal waters, to mitigate threats from ship anchors, natural disasters, and sabotage. The company has also avoided geopolitical hotspots in its planned route, bypassing Europe and China, as well as high-tension areas like the South China Sea and the Suez Canal.
Tech Giants Taking Over Global Connectivity
The scale of this project reflects a broader trend in which large technology firms are taking the lead in developing global digital infrastructure. Historically, undersea cables were funded and maintained by national telecom companies, but now tech giants like Meta and Google are spearheading these projects.
Google, for example, announced in 2024 plans to build the first subsea cable connecting Africa and Australia, alongside a $1 billion investment in two new subsea cables for Japan. These developments raise questions about the growing concentration of power among big tech firms and their control over global internet connectivity.
Professor Vili Lehdonvirta of the Oxford Internet Institute noted that the ability of tech companies to independently fund such infrastructure could have significant policy implications. As Meta continues expanding its stake in connectivity, analysts believe the company aims to integrate hardware, software, and digital services to create a seamless, controlled user experience.
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Project Waterworth marks a significant step forward in global digital infrastructure, promising faster, more reliable internet for millions across multiple continents. However, concerns over security, geopolitical risks, and tech company dominance remain central to discussions about the project’s long-term impact.