Meta has unveiled plans for a groundbreaking sub-sea internet cable project named Project Waterworth, set to span an unprecedented 50,000 kilometers (31,000 miles) across the globe. Upon completion, it will become the longest underwater cable system in history, connecting the United States, India, South Africa, Brazil, and other key regions.
The initiative aims to enhance global connectivity, fostering economic collaboration and digital inclusion across five continents. In a blog post, Meta described the multi-billion-dollar project as a “significant step” toward bolstering the world’s digital infrastructure, leveraging a cutting-edge 24-fibre-pair system. Sub-sea cables, which carry over 95% of global internet traffic, are critical to ensuring fast and reliable communication worldwide.
As the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Meta continues to expand beyond social media, investing heavily in artificial intelligence and the infrastructure required to support it. Project Waterworth is part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its global digital presence.
Industry analysts have observed a growing trend of major tech companies, like Meta, taking over sub-sea cable projects from traditional telecom firms. This shift underscores the increasing influence and financial capacity of tech giants to undertake and independently fund large-scale infrastructure projects.
However, with the growing importance of sub-sea cables, concerns about their vulnerability to accidents and geopolitical conflicts have intensified. Recent incidents involving severed cables have highlighted the risks. To address this, Meta plans to lay its cables as deep as 7,000 meters in some regions and adopt advanced burial techniques in high-risk areas to mitigate potential damage.
The initiative aligns with Meta’s long-term vision for connectivity, but it also marks the end of an era as the company shuts down its Meta Connectivity division, formerly known as Facebook Connectivity. Launched in 2013, the division focused on improving internet access for underserved communities worldwide, experimenting with initiatives like the Facebook Aquila project—a solar-powered drone designed to deliver internet to remote areas.
Despite the closure of Meta Connectivity, Project Waterworth demonstrates the company’s commitment to reshaping the global digital landscape and solidifying its role as a leader in technological innovation and connectivity infrastructure.
