Meta has unveiled Project Waterworth, an ambitious plan to construct a 50,000-kilometer (31,000-mile) subsea cable system connecting the United States, India, South Africa, Brazil, and other regions. This initiative aims to enhance global connectivity and support Meta’s expanding artificial intelligence (AI) projects.
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Enhancing Global Connectivity
The subsea cable, surpassing the Earth’s circumference in length, is poised to become the world’s longest underwater cable. Utilizing a 24-fiber-pair system, it promises unprecedented data transmission capacity. Meta emphasizes that Project Waterworth will foster economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion, and unlock technological development opportunities across the connected regions. In particular, it is expected to accelerate India’s digital infrastructure growth, aligning with the country’s ambitious digital economy plans.
Strategic Infrastructure Investment
This venture reflects a strategic shift where major technology companies are investing heavily in their own infrastructure. Historically, undersea cables were laid and financed by consortia of national telecommunications firms due to the substantial investment required. However, companies like Meta are now independently funding such projects, underscoring their growing influence and resources in the digital landscape.
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Addressing Security Concerns
The increasing reliance on undersea cables for global internet traffic—over 95% by some estimates—has raised concerns about their vulnerability to attacks or accidents. In response, Meta plans to lay its cable system up to 7,000 meters deep and employ advanced burial techniques in high-risk areas, such as shallow coastal waters, to protect against damage from ship anchors and other hazards.
Project Waterworth signifies Meta’s commitment to expanding its technological infrastructure beyond social media, aiming to provide robust support for its AI initiatives and enhance global digital connectivity.
