Meta to Invest $10 Billion in One of the World’s Longest Subsea Fiber Optic Cables
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, is planning to undertake a $10 billion project to install a massive subsea fiber optic cable, aiming to enhance global internet connectivity. The ambitious project, described as one of the longest subsea cables in history, reflects Meta’s commitment to serving its vast and growing user base while addressing the increasing demand for digital content and services.
A New Digital Backbone
According to reports, the planned cable, dubbed “W,” will span approximately 40,000 kilometers (about 24,585 miles), rivaling the length of the SEA-ME-WE 3 cable. Unlike Meta’s previous collaborations in undersea cable projects – such as Echo, Bifrost, 2Africa, and others – this new cable will be wholly owned by the company. This move is seen as a strategic shift from its traditional consortium-based approach to building internet infrastructure.
Geopolitical Considerations Shape the Route
The project’s proposed route appears to circumvent the Red Sea, a historically critical path for subsea cables but one increasingly impacted by geopolitical instability. Earlier this year, incidents in the Red Sea disrupted key cables like the AAE-1, prompting Meta to prioritise resilience over speed. The cable is expected to pass through the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Pacific, reflecting the company’s strategy to reduce vulnerabilities in high-risk regions.
Key Growth Markets: Africa and India
The cable’s design underscores the significance of Africa and India as critical markets for Meta’s expansion. With internet adoption rising in these regions, the new infrastructure is set to bolster connectivity, enabling Meta to deliver digital content more efficiently and support the growing digital economies of these areas.
Meeting the Surge in Global Internet Demand
The initiative comes as global internet use soars, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and an increasing reliance on digital platforms. As one of the largest drivers of internet traffic globally, Meta’s investment aims to future-proof its ability to deliver services to billions of users.
Enhancing Global Connectivity Amid Security Concerns
While subsea cables are essential for the internet’s global infrastructure, they have become potential targets for sabotage. Meta’s decision to build a dedicated cable highlights the need for improved security and reliability in the face of such threats.
The “W” cable project represents a monumental leap in Meta’s internet infrastructure strategy, positioning the company to remain at the forefront of global digital connectivity while addressing emerging challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.
