Meta to Invest $10 Billion in Global Undersea Internet Cable Project

The social media giant Meta is gearing up to launch a significant venture aimed at laying down a massive undersea fiber optic internet cable network that will span the globe. According to recent reports, this ambitious project is set to be revealed early next year.

Meta, which owns popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is planning to deploy over 25,000 miles of fiber optic cables beneath the ocean. The projected cost for this initiative is expected to exceed $10 billion, as indicated by sources familiar with the company's plans.

These cables will be entirely owned and utilized by Meta, which ranks as the second-largest contributor to global internet traffic. The company is said to account for approximately 22% of all mobile internet usage worldwide.

The proposed cable routes are designed to stretch from the East Coast of the United States to India via South Africa, before looping back to the West Coast of the US through Australia. This extensive network is expected to have connecting ports at multiple locations, including the East and West Coasts of the U.S., South Africa, India, and Australia.

However, experts have pointed out that there are several hurdles to overcome before the commencement of this project. One significant challenge is securing the availability of cable-laying companies, as there is a current shortage of cable vessels. An analyst from the submarine cable industry, Ranulf Scarborough, remarked that cable ships are not only expensive but are also booked out several years in advance, making it a challenge to find the necessary resources quickly.

If successfully completed, this project would mark the first instance of a privately-owned and operated global fiber optic cable system. While tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have shares in various international cable networks, none have launched a project of this magnitude exclusively under their ownership.

There are several strategic reasons behind Meta's decision to undertake such a substantial investment in this infrastructure. By owning its private network, the company would be able to better handle its extensive internet traffic without depending on traditional telecommunications companies. Additionally, there is a growing concern over geopolitical tensions that have disrupted subsea cables in the past. A recent incident involved a cable in European waters being cut, leading to calls for an investigation into a ship controlled by China. This has heightened awareness of the vulnerabilities associated with subsea cables.

To mitigate such risks, Meta’s planned routes aim to skirt areas that are known for geopolitical strife, as confirmed by sources close to the company. In light of recent warnings from U.S. national security officials regarding potential tampering by foreign entities, this approach is particularly timely.

As of now, Meta's undersea cable project is still in the preliminary planning phases, and it will take several years for the company to see this vision come to fruition.

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