Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is embarking on a massive infrastructure project that could redefine global internet connectivity.
Sources confirm that Meta plans to construct a $10 billion subsea cable spanning over 40,000 kilometers, connecting multiple continents to better support its growing online platforms, Tech Crunch reported.
With billions of active users worldwide, Meta’s heavy reliance on internet traffic necessitates a robust, dedicated data pipeline, and this new cable is poised to meet those needs.
This subsea cable will mark a significant milestone for Meta, as it will be the first time the company owns and operates its own global infrastructure of this magnitude. Historically, Meta has relied on shared infrastructure, but this new project will allow it to have sole control over its data transmission. Experts in the subsea cable industry have noted that this could pave the way for more companies to follow suit, especially with the increasing demand for data capacity driven by artificial intelligence advancements.
According to subsea cable pioneer Sunil Tagare, who first reported the project, Meta’s initial budget is set at $2 billion, but this figure could rise to over $10 billion as the cable extends over several years.
The company is still in the planning stages, and while Meta has not yet disclosed specific details on the budget or timeline, it is expected to make an official announcement in early 2025, which will provide more clarity on the cable’s intended route and capacity.
The planned subsea cable will connect key points globally, including from the east coast of the U.S. to India, through South Africa, and then to the west coast of the U.S. via Australia. This route, forming a “W” shape around the globe, will significantly enhance the company’s ability to handle vast amounts of data, especially with AI applications expected to drive future traffic growth. The cable’s capacity will be crucial to maintaining Meta’s dominance in the digital space.
However, building such a massive subsea infrastructure is not without challenges.
Analysts point out that the subsea cable industry is currently facing a bottleneck due to a shortage of cable ships and specialized resources. Many companies, including Google, have already reserved the services of a limited number of firms capable of constructing subsea cables. This tight supply of resources could delay the project, but one solution may involve building the cable in segments over time.
When completed, the subsea cable will provide Meta with a dedicated, high-capacity data route across continents, ensuring that its global network of users experiences reliable and efficient service. This development is part of Meta’s larger strategy to solidify its infrastructure and maintain its position as one of the largest internet service providers in the world.
In conclusion, Meta’s investment in this ambitious subsea cable project represents a major step in the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its digital infrastructure and handle the future demands of AI-driven internet traffic. While the project is still in its early stages, the planned cable’s potential to reshape global connectivity is undeniable, and it could serve as a template for other tech giants looking to control their data infrastructure in the years to come.