Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is reportedly preparing to invest over $10 billion in a groundbreaking subsea cable project.
Spanning more than 40,000 kilometers, the initiative represents the tech giant’s first fully owned and operated undersea infrastructure, according to sources close to the company.
This ambitious project underscores Meta’s increasing focus on building robust infrastructure to sustain its platforms, which currently drive 10% of all fixed and 22% of all mobile internet traffic globally.
Initially reported by TechCrunch, the cable could trace a “W” shape, connecting the U.S., India, South Africa, and Australia—a strategic alignment reflecting the company’s global connectivity aspirations.
Industry expert Sunil Tagare, who first disclosed Meta’s plans in October, highlighted the scale of the project. “It’s a monumental endeavour, not just in terms of investment but also in scope. The initial $2 billion budget is expected to expand significantly as the project progresses.” Limited resources, including the global shortage of specialized cable-laying ships, could prompt Meta to adopt a phased approach to construction.
While Meta has yet to release formal details, an official announcement outlining the cable’s route, capacity, and objectives is anticipated by early 2025. If completed, this cable would cement Meta’s position as a major player in global connectivity infrastructure, reducing its dependence on external service providers.
The subsea cable market is under intense pressure as demand for specialized infrastructure grows. Companies like Google have already secured long-term contracts with providers such as SubCom, further straining the availability of key resources. Ranulf Scarborough, a submarine cable industry analyst, emphasized the tight supply: “Meta faces logistical hurdles. To overcome these challenges, they’ll likely phase construction over several years.”
Meta’s project is reportedly being spearheaded from its South African operations, signaling the importance of emerging markets in the company’s strategy. This regional focus aligns with Meta’s broader goals of enhancing global connectivity and tapping into underserved markets.
The project also marks a significant industry shift. Traditionally, telecom carriers have dominated subsea cable ownership. However, the rise of content-driven companies like Meta has upended this dynamic, with tech giants seeking direct control over data pipelines to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Meta’s global infrastructure efforts, led by Santosh Janardhan, reflect a long-term vision to secure the backbone of its digital ecosystem. If successful, the subsea cable will not only enhance data flow efficiency but also unlock new growth opportunities, especially in emerging markets where reliable internet access remains a challenge.
This initiative underscores Meta’s ambitions to shape the future of global connectivity while bolstering its platforms’ resilience and reach.
