Meta Announces Plans For Worlds Longest Undersea Cable Project To Connect Global Markets

In a landmark announcement, Meta has unveiled ambitious plans to construct the world’s longest undersea cable system, demonstrating the tech giant’s commitment to expanding global digital infrastructure. The project, dubbed ‘Waterworth,’ will span an impressive 50,000 kilometres, exceeding Earth’s circumference, and aims to establish vital connections between the United States, India, South Africa, Brazil, and other strategic regions.

The revolutionary cable system will utilise a 24 fibre-pair configuration, marking a significant upgrade from the traditional 8 to 16 fibre pairs found in existing systems. This enhanced capacity positions the project as a crucial enabler for Meta’s expanding artificial intelligence initiatives and broader digital ambitions.

Market analysts view this development as a strategic move to strengthen Meta’s position in emerging economies, particularly in India, where digital infrastructure investments have seen substantial growth. The project is expected to catalyse economic cooperation and accelerate digital inclusion across participating regions.

Security considerations remain paramount, as undersea cables currently transmit more than 95% of global internet traffic. Recent incidents, including damage to critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and disruptions in Tonga, have highlighted the vulnerability of these essential communication arteries. Meta has addressed these concerns by implementing enhanced burial techniques in high-risk areas, particularly in shallow coastal waters, with cables reaching depths of up to 7,000 metres.

This investment represents Meta’s latest addition to its portfolio of more than 20 subsea cable projects developed over the past decade. The company’s continued expansion of digital infrastructure underscores its commitment to building robust global connectivity networks, despite recent controversies surrounding content moderation policies on its social media platforms.