Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is about to change how the internet works. Right now, Meta powers a huge part of global internet traffic—10% of fixed internet usage and 22% of mobile traffic. That’s a massive chunk of the digital world. But Meta isn’t stopping there. It has big ambitions to grow even more, and it’s diving deep—literally—into a new frontier: building its very own underwater internet cable.
What’s Meta Planning?
Meta is planning to build a giant fiber-optic cable that will stretch more than 40,000 kilometers around the globe. That’s enough to circle the Earth! This project could cost over $10 billion, and here’s the kicker: Meta will own the entire cable and all its capacity. No sharing. No middlemen. It will be the first time Meta has built and owned its very own subsea cable.
Right now, Meta relies on cables it co-owns with other companies. But owning one outright is a game-changer. It means Meta can control how its data moves across the globe, ensuring faster, smoother service for billions of users.
Why Does Meta Want Its Own Cable?
There are several reasons why Meta is taking this massive step:
- To Handle Its Growing Traffic:
Meta’s apps—Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—are used by billions of people every day. As these platforms grow and introduce new AI-powered tools and features, the amount of data they need to process will skyrocket. Owning a cable means Meta won’t have to wait in line or share bandwidth. - Global Reach and Better Service:
Meta makes most of its money outside of North America. A private cable ensures better quality for users in key regions like Asia, Africa, and South America, where internet demand is booming. - Geopolitical Reasons:
Underwater cables are critical infrastructure, but they can also be vulnerable. In recent years, cables have been damaged due to wars, political tensions, and even accidents. Meta’s cable is being designed to avoid risky areas like the Red Sea, the South China Sea, and the Straits of Malacca—places that are often hotspots for conflict or natural bottlenecks. - The AI Angle:
There’s another exciting possibility. Some experts think this cable could support Meta’s AI ambitions. The cable will connect the U.S. to India, where Meta could set up data centers for training advanced AI models. Why India? It’s cheaper to run data centers there, and the country is rapidly becoming a hub for AI innovation.
What’s the Cable’s Route?
The cable will follow a unique “W” shape around the world. It will start on the east coast of the U.S., travel to India via South Africa, and then loop back to the west coast of the U.S. through Australia. This design avoids politically sensitive and high-risk areas, making it a safer and more reliable setup.
Challenges Ahead
Building an underwater cable isn’t easy. The companies that specialize in this, like SubCom, are already booked for years by giants like Google. Ships and equipment for laying cables are in short supply, and prices are sky-high. To overcome this, Meta might build the cable in smaller segments over time.
A Shift in Power
This project is part of a bigger trend in the tech world. For decades, telecom companies like AT&T and Vodafone controlled the internet’s backbone, including these undersea cables. But now, tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta are taking over. They realize that controlling the infrastructure gives them an edge in delivering their services.
Why It’s a Big Deal
This isn’t just about faster internet speeds. It’s about control, independence, and the future of the internet. By owning its own cable, Meta can shape how billions of people connect, consume content, and interact online.
The cable also shows how much the internet has changed. What was once a network built by telecom providers is now being driven by tech giants with global ambitions.
What’s Next?
Meta is keeping quiet about the project for now. The company is expected to share more details in early 2025, including the exact route, capacity, and the reasons behind the build. But if all goes as planned, this cable could be up and running within the next few years.
One thing is certain: Meta’s bold move will not only boost its own business but also set the stage for the future of how we use the internet. Whether it’s faster cat videos on Instagram or advanced AI tools on WhatsApp, Meta is laying the groundwork—literally—for a faster, more connected world.
