Meta's Ambitious $10 Billion Undersea Internet Cable Project

Meta, the social media powerhouse behind platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is gearing up for a major initiative to lay its own undersea fiber optic internet cable that will connect countries across the globe. According to recent reports, the company is expected to unveil this ambitious project early next year.

This plan includes the installation of over 25,000 miles of fiber optic cables beneath the ocean and comes with a hefty price tag, potentially exceeding $10 billion. Sources familiar with the project shared this information with TechCrunch.

Project Details and Strategic Routes

The undersea cables will be exclusively owned and utilized by Meta, which currently ranks as the second-largest facilitator of global internet traffic, accounting for around 22% of all mobile data usage. The proposed route for these cables aims to stretch from the East Coast of the United States to India, passing through South Africa, and then looping back from India via Australia to the West Coast of the US.

Experts have pointed out that there are numerous challenges Meta must address before making this plan a reality, including securing partnerships with companies that specialize in laying such cables.

Geopolitical Considerations and Cable Ship Shortages

The project is also expected to incorporate connecting ports on the East and West Coasts of the United States, as well as major hubs in South Africa, India, and Australia. However, the submarine cable industry is facing a shortage of cable ships, according to Ranulf Scarborough, a specialist in this area. He indicated that these ships are currently expensive and booked out for several years, making it challenging for Meta to access the necessary resources quickly.

Completion of this circuit would mark a significant milestone as it would be the first completely privately owned global fiber optic cable system. Although other tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have stakes in existing global cable systems, none of them have their own private line owned outright by their company.

Motivations Behind the Investment

Industry experts point to several reasons for Meta's substantial investment in this infrastructure. By owning its own cables, Meta can better manage its extensive internet traffic, minimizing dependence on telecommunications companies that have often struggled to keep pace with the rapid evolution of internet technology.

Moreover, as geopolitical tensions continue to rise, Meta aims to protect its infrastructure from potential risks associated with international conflicts, which could lead to damage or disruptions in service. For instance, a recent incident involved a cable being cut in European waters, leading to calls for cooperation from China to investigate the matter.

Future Steps and Regulatory Framework

The planned route for Meta's cables is specifically designed to circumvent areas of geopolitical tension, according to a source in close contact with the company. In light of increasing concerns about the safety of undersea cables, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced it will conduct a comprehensive review of submarine cable licensing rules for the first time in decades to modernize regulations and enhance security measures.

As it stands, Meta's undersea cable project is still in its infancy, with years of planning and development expected before it becomes operational.

Meta, Internet, Cables