Additional Coverage:
- Meta is reportedly building a $10 billion underwater cable that will circle the globe (newsbreak.com)
Meta Unveils Ambitious $10 Billion Underwater Cable Plan
Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is reportedly planning a colossal underwater cable project that would span the globe. The project, estimated to cost over $10 billion, would stretch nearly 25,000 miles, making it one of the largest of its kind.
Unlike previous projects, Meta aims to own 100% of the cable’s capacity, giving the company complete control over its telecommunication signals. The cable’s route is still under wraps, but it is expected to avoid areas with high geopolitical tensions, such as the Red Sea.
The project, which is still in its early stages, is being spearheaded by Meta’s South Africa office. It will take years to complete due to the limited availability of cable ships and other resources.
Meta’s plan builds on its existing involvement in underwater cable projects, including the 2Africa cable that spans Africa’s coastline. The company is joining the ranks of Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, which all have significant investments in submarine cables.