Meta Announces Undersea Internet Cable Project Connecting Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America
Meta has announced an undersea internet cable project designed to connect Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America. The cable is expected to be over 50,000 kilometers long.
While Meta has previously been a co-owner of long undersea cable projects, this new initiative, called Project Waterworth, will be the first one they solely own. The project’s estimated cost is expected to exceed $10 billion.
This project will also mark the first direct connection between Brazil and South Africa. Additionally, it will be the only cable connecting India to Australia while bypassing the Strait of Malacca.
Regarding the project, the company released the following statement:
“This project will enable greater economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion, and open opportunities for technological development in these regions.”
“For example, in India, where we’ve already seen significant growth and investment in digital infrastructure, Waterworth will help accelerate this progress and support the country’s ambitious plans for its digital economy.”
Some sources indicate that Meta is building this project to establish its own physical infrastructure that avoids global geopolitical hotspots.
In recent months, several incidents have been reported where undersea cables used for communication and electricity transmission were cut, allegedly by civilian cargo ships linked to Russia and China.
Notably, Project Waterworth’s route avoids areas with a higher risk of disruption, such as Europe and the South China Sea.
To ensure durability, the cable technology will be designed to withstand wear and tear better than conventional cables. However, in some regions, the cables will be laid at depths of 23,000 feet to minimize the risk of sabotage.
Additionally, advanced burial techniques will be employed to protect the cables from damage caused by ship anchors and other hazards.