Meta’s Project Waterworth: The World’s Longest Undersea Cable to Revolutionise Global Connectivity

Meta has unveiled its plans to construct an extensive 50,000 km (31,000 mile) underwater internet cable that will stretch across multiple continents.

Named Project Waterworth, this initiative aims to enhance connectivity by linking key regions such as the United States, India, South Africa, Brazil, and several others. Upon completion, it is expected to be the longest subsea cable in existence.

As the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Meta continues to diversify its technology portfolio beyond social media. The company has been actively investing in artificial intelligence (AI) and the supporting digital infrastructure necessary for its advancements.

According to Meta, this groundbreaking cable project will offer “industry-leading connectivity” across five continents, significantly aiding in AI-driven developments and enhancing global digital communication.

In a blog post, Meta emphasised that Project Waterworth is designed to promote economic collaboration, drive digital inclusion, and create new opportunities for technological progress in the regions it connects.

What sets this cable apart is its utilisation of a 24 fibre-pair system, which substantially increases its data transmission capacity. This makes it the most advanced cable of its kind, ensuring faster and more reliable internet connectivity worldwide.

Underwater cables play a crucial role in modern digital communication, facilitating the rapid exchange of data across the globe. Statistics indicate that the vast majority of global internet traffic is transmitted through such cables.

Currently, there are more than 600 known subsea cable systems in operation worldwide, as reported by telecommunications research firm TeleGeography. Meta has previously collaborated on major cable projects, including the 2Africa cable, which spans 45,000 km and is backed by leading mobile operators such as Orange, Vodafone, and China Mobile.

Big Tech’s Growing Role in Internet Infrastructure

In recent years, major technology corporations have significantly increased their investments in global internet infrastructure. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have contributed substantial funds to develop subsea cables that strengthen their global networks.

For instance, in 2024, Google announced plans to construct the first-ever subsea cable connecting Africa and Australia. The company also committed $1 billion to establish two new cables in the Pacific, enhancing connectivity to Japan.

Professor Vili Lehdonvirta of the Oxford Internet Institute pointed out that tech giants have now taken on a role traditionally held by national telecommunications firms, financing and deploying critical infrastructure independently. He highlighted that this shift may raise concerns among policymakers regarding market dominance and competition in the digital sector.

Telecom and technology analyst Paolo Pescatore echoed this sentiment, stating that Meta’s latest move signals its ambition to dominate the connectivity market. “Meta is making a strategic effort to control more aspects of the digital ecosystem,” he noted. “This project will allow the company to integrate hardware, software, and connectivity in a way that surpasses its competitors.”

Security and Geopolitical Considerations

As subsea cables become increasingly vital, concerns over their security have also grown. Damages to these cables—whether accidental or intentional—can disrupt global communications and lead to geopolitical tensions.

Recent incidents, such as severed cables in the Baltic Sea, have drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of undersea infrastructure. NATO has responded by increasing surveillance measures in the region to prevent further disruptions.

In the UK, lawmakers have raised alarms about potential threats to national digital infrastructure, particularly from foreign actors. A parliamentary committee has launched an investigation into the resilience of the UK’s underwater cable network, citing potential risks posed by Russia and China.

To address these concerns, Meta has announced that Project Waterworth will incorporate enhanced security measures. The cables will be laid at depths of up to 7,000 meters, with special techniques used to protect them in shallow coastal areas, reducing the likelihood of damage from ship anchors and other hazards.

Professor Lehdonvirta observed that the project appears to avoid high-risk geopolitical zones, such as the South China Sea and the Suez Canal. Instead, it strategically connects the United States with emerging markets in the Southern Hemisphere, strengthening the country’s economic and digital influence abroad.

The Road Ahead for Meta

Meta’s investment in subsea cable infrastructure reflects its broader goal of ensuring greater control over its global digital ecosystem. By independently owning and operating its own cables, Meta aims to secure stable and efficient data transmission for its vast network of services.

The company currently accounts for a significant share of global internet usage, with its platforms responsible for about 10% of fixed broadband traffic and 22% of mobile traffic worldwide. Owning a dedicated subsea cable network will enable Meta to maintain and improve service quality for its users while reducing reliance on third-party infrastructure.

While Project Waterworth is still in its early stages, its completion will mark a milestone in global connectivity. The project underscores the increasing role of tech giants in shaping the digital landscape and highlights the growing intersection between technology, infrastructure, and geopolitics.