How Does Meta Plan To Improve Connectivity Between US & India? By Laying 50,000-Km Undersea Cable, Of Course
Meta's ambitious project will lay the world's longest subsea internet cable by the end of this decade.
Meta, the Mark Zuckerberg-owned parent company of Facebook, has announced its ambitious plans to develop what it claims will be the world’s longest undersea internet cable. The project, named Project Waterworth, is set to span over 50,000 kilometres and aims to improve digital connectivity across key regions, including the United States, India, Brazil, and South Africa.
'We've Already Seen Growth In India'
“This project will enable greater economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion, and open opportunities for technological development in these regions,” Meta stated in a blog post on February 14.
"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."
Although the company has not disclosed an exact timeline or cost for the massive initiative, it anticipates completion towards the end of the decade. The project marks another major investment by tech giants in undersea internet infrastructure, following similar efforts from Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.
What's The Benefit Of Undersea Cables?
With approximately 95 per cent of global internet traffic relying on subsea cables, these networks form a critical backbone of modern digital communication. As the demand for high-speed internet continues to grow, tech companies have been ramping up investments to enhance connectivity, making it easier for users to access their platforms for communication, entertainment, and commerce.
Meta highlighted that its new 24-fiber pair cable will play a vital role in expanding access to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. “This project can help ensure that the benefits of AI and other emerging technologies are available to everyone, regardless of where they live or work,” the company stated.
Over the past decade, Meta has collaborated with partners to develop more than 20 undersea cables, including 2Africa Pearls, which connects multiple continents, and Marea, linking the US with Spain. The company’s services — including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger — are used by over three billion people daily, making internet expansion a strategic priority.
What About Safety & Security?
However, the expansion of undersea cables has also raised security concerns. In 2023, subsea cables in the Red Sea were severed, disrupting internet services in the region. While the cause remained unclear, speculation arose over possible geopolitical sabotage.
Meta’s latest project was also highlighted in a recent joint statement from US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasising its role in strengthening digital infrastructure in the Indian Ocean. India has committed to supporting the maintenance, repair, and financing of these undersea cables as part of its broader digital strategy.
As Meta continues its push to expand internet accessibility, the initiative could significantly shape global digital infrastructure in the years to come.
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