meta-plans-to-build-a-massive-subsea-global-cable-network

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is planning an ambitious project that could change the way data moves across the globe. According to recent reports, Meta intends to lay down an undersea fibre-optic cable that will span the entire planet.

 

This massive undertaking is expected to cost up to $10 billion, with the initial investment of around $2 billion. The cable will stretch over 40,000 km, offering Meta a dedicated route for sending and receiving data around the world.

 

While the news may seem extraordinary, Meta's influence over global internet traffic makes the project more practical than it first appears.

 

The company is responsible for approximately 10 per cent of fixed and 22 per cent of mobile internet traffic globally, making the idea of a dedicated undersea cable a necessary step to handle the increasing demand for internet connectivity.

 

This is not Meta’s first foray into undersea cables. In fact, the company already has stakes in 16 different subsea networks, including the 2Africa cable, which is one of the largest subsea cable projects in the world.

 

These cables are essential for facilitating global communication, and Meta’s latest plan further solidifies its commitment to investing in digital infrastructure to meet growing data needs.

 

The new cable, according to TechCrunch, will span across the globe, with possible routes including a connection from the east coast of the United States, extending to India and South Africa, and looping back to the west coast of the United States through Australia.

 

While these plans are still in the early stages, Meta is expected to release further details on the project, including the cable's capacity and route, sometime in early 2025.

 

Despite the ambitious scale of the project, it will take several years to complete. According to submarine cable industry expert Ranulf Scarborough, cable ships are currently in high demand and are booked years in advance.

 

The lengthy installation process and the high cost of building such infrastructure reflect the complexity and importance of the project.

 

Once completed, Meta’s undersea cable will provide a secure and efficient pathway for the vast amounts of data flowing through its platforms every day.

 

The global nature of the project ensures that Meta can handle the growing demand for internet traffic while also providing the company with greater control over the infrastructure that supports its services.

 

In a world where data is increasingly important for both personal and business purposes, Meta’s investment in such a massive project could prove to be a crucial step in shaping the future of global communication.

 

By owning and controlling such infrastructure, Meta can better manage the rising demand for internet connectivity while continuing to grow its business globally.