Meta, the parent company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is planning to build a massive subsea cable that will encircle the globe, as reported by TechCrunch. This ambitious project, estimated to cost upwards of $10 billion, signals Meta’s commitment to securing its own dedicated internet infrastructure.
As a major driver of internet traffic, Meta’s platforms account for a significant portion of global data flow. With this new subsea cable, Meta aims to gain greater control over its network capacity and ensure reliable connectivity for its billions of users worldwide.
The planned cable, exceeding 40,000 kilometers in length, is expected to connect the east coast of the U.S. to India via South Africa, and then to the west coast of the U.S. from India via Australia. This strategic route is designed to avoid geopolitical hotspots and potential points of failure, enhancing the cable’s stability and security.
This project marks a significant shift in Meta’s approach to internet infrastructure. While the company currently participates in consortiums that own and operate subsea cables, this new cable will be wholly owned and operated by Meta. This puts Meta in the same category as Google, which also has sole ownership of certain subsea cable routes.
The move towards greater ownership of internet infrastructure reflects a broader trend among tech giants seeking more control over the delivery of their services and content. By owning the infrastructure, Meta gains priority access to capacity, ensuring quality of service for its users, particularly in high-growth regions like India.
While the primary purpose of the cable is to support Meta’s existing platforms and future AI initiatives, there is speculation about the possibility of Meta opening up capacity to other users. Additionally, the cable’s landing point in India has fueled theories about Meta’s potential plans to establish AI training centers in the country, taking advantage of India’s cost-effective compute bandwidth and growing AI infrastructure.
Meta’s ambitious subsea cable project highlights the increasing role of tech giants in shaping the future of the internet. As these companies expand their global reach and invest in cutting-edge technologies like AI, securing reliable and secure infrastructure becomes paramount. This project is a testament to Meta’s long-term vision and its commitment to providing a seamless and robust experience for its users worldwide.
