Meta has unveiled plans for an ambitious subsea cable project named "Project Waterworth," which is set to become the world's longest upon completion. Spanning an impressive 50,000 kilometers, this multi-billion dollar, multi-year investment aims to enhance Meta's control over its services by connecting five continents. The network will feature landing points in strategic locations such as the United States, Brazil, India, and South Africa. Although Meta has refrained from disclosing specific details of the project, it marks a significant milestone as the company's first wholly owned subsea cable.
The project's scale underscores its importance in Meta's broader strategy to bolster global digital infrastructure. Utilizing 24 fiber pair cables and pioneering routing methods, Project Waterworth will lay cables at depths of up to 7,000 meters. These new burial techniques are designed to minimize faults and ensure the cable's durability in deep waters. Notably, the initiative will support AI data centers and cloud services growth in India, with the nation also participating in financing aspects like maintenance and repairs of undersea cables in the Indian Ocean.
"Supporting greater Indian Ocean connectivity, the leaders also welcomed Meta’s announcement of a multi-billion, multi-year investment in an undersea cable project that will begin work this year," said U.S. President Trump and India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Meta's leadership has highlighted the transformative potential of Project Waterworth. The venture aims to enhance digital communication, video experiences, and online transactions, aligning with Meta’s vision for expanding its global reach. By establishing three new oceanic corridors, the network will provide the high-speed connectivity crucial for propelling AI innovation across the globe.
"Digital communication, video experiences and online transactions," stated Meta’s VP of engineering Gaya Nagarajan and its global head of network investments Alex-Handrah Aimé.
"Project Waterworth will be a multi-billion dollar, multi-year investment to strengthen the scale and reliability of the world’s digital highways by opening three new oceanic corridors with the abundant, high speed connectivity needed to drive AI innovation around the world," they added.
This venture also aligns with a broader defense partnership between the United States and India, focusing on co-developing undersea technologies. In doing so, it not only strengthens bilateral ties but also contributes to regional stability through improved communication infrastructure. Project Waterworth's impact will extend beyond technological advancements, as it positions Meta at the forefront of a growing trend among Big Tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft, which are similarly investing in subsea infrastructure.
Currently, Meta is part owner of 16 existing networks, including the notable 2Africa cable. However, by fully owning Project Waterworth, Meta takes a decisive step toward asserting greater independence and control over its digital operations. This strategic move is expected to yield significant benefits in terms of scalability and reliability for Meta’s services worldwide.
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