Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is reportedly planning a $10 billion investment in a privately owned subsea cable network. This ambitious 40,000-kilometre project aims to bolster Meta’s internet traffic control, reduce reliance on telecom companies, and mitigate geopolitical risks.
The proposed cable route will connect the U.S. East Coast to India via South Africa and then loop back to the U.S. West Coast through Australia, forming a “W” shape across the globe. If completed, this would mark Meta’s first fully owned and operated subsea cable.
Meta’s platforms account for 10% of global fixed internet traffic and 22% of mobile internet traffic, underscoring the need for robust, independent infrastructure. This project, led by Meta’s head of global infrastructure, Santosh Janardhan, is reportedly being developed from the company’s South African operations, highlighting the growing significance of emerging markets in its strategy.
The move reflects a broader trend where tech giants like Meta and Google are investing in subsea cables to gain greater control over the networks powering their services, traditionally dominated by telecom carriers.
With a limited supply of cable-laying ships and competing projects, such as those by Google, Meta may face delays. Experts suggest the cable will likely be built in phases. Also, Ranulf Scarborough, a submarine cable analyst, noted the strain on specialised resources, which could extend the project’s timeline and cost.
Beyond improving Meta’s infrastructure, the project has potential benefits for underserved regions, enabling faster internet speeds and greater connectivity. Sunil Tagare, an industry veteran, described the initiative as monumental, with an initial $2 billion budget expected to rise substantially.
While Meta has yet to publicly confirm details, an announcement about the cable’s route, capacity, and objectives is anticipated in early 2025.
If successful, this project could reshape global connectivity and establish Meta as a major player in internet infrastructure.
