Meta, the second-largest producer of internet traffic globally, is embarking on an ambitious initiative to build its own undersea fiber-optic network. With its platforms serving billions of users, Meta accounts for 10% of all fixed-line and 22% of mobile internet traffic worldwide. To support its rapidly growing business and ensure a reliable infrastructure, Meta has decided to take control of its communication networks by directly overseeing the construction of a new undersea cable system.
Cable Route and Future Prospects
Once completed, the project will provide Meta with a dedicated channel for transmitting data across key global regions. Preliminary reports suggest that the cable will extend from the eastern United States to India, passing through South Africa, and will loop back to the western U.S. via India and Australia. The resulting network is expected to form a distinctive “W” shape around the globe.
Currently, the project is in the planning stages, and physical construction has not yet begun. Meta is expected to make a formal announcement in 2025, revealing more details about the route, network capacity, and the strategic objectives behind the project.
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Potential Challenges
Experts warn that the project could face delays due to a shortage of specialized cable-laying ships and companies capable of handling such large-scale operations. Meta has significant experience in the field of undersea cables. The company co-owns 16 undersea cable networks, including the recently launched 2Africa, which connects several countries across Africa. This project was developed in collaboration with partners like Orange, Vodafone, China Mobile, and Bayobab/MTN. However, the upcoming fiber-optic network will be Meta’s first entirely self-owned undersea cable system. With this move, Meta joins other tech giants like Google, which operates around 33 undersea cables, including several that are entirely proprietary. Amazon and Microsoft also play a role in undersea communications, but they do not currently own independent cable routes.
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Why Meta Needs Its Own Cable
- Priority Access to Resources. An exclusive cable system will grant Meta priority access to the bandwidth necessary to ensure the continued stability and performance of its platforms.
- Geopolitical Stability. The proposed route is designed to avoid regions with high geopolitical risks, such as the Red and Baltic Seas.
- AI Development Opportunities. India is expected to become a key hub for artificial intelligence development, given its low computational costs, making it an attractive location for training AI models.
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