Meta Prepares to Build Global Undersea Cable Network
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Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is undertaking a massive infrastructure project: building its own global fiber optic underwater cable network. Sources indicate that this ambitious project, spanning over 40,000 kilometers, could cost more than $10 billion.
This endeavor will make Meta the sole owner and user of its dedicated underwater information superhighway. Sunil Tagare, a submarine cable expert, initially reported on the plan, stating the project would begin with a $2 billion budget, but ultimately expecting the cost to escalate to $10 billion as the project unfolds over several years.
Ensuring Dedicated Bandwidth and Future-Proofing the Meta Network
The new international cable infrasturcture is intended to secure Meta’s position in the digital landscape by providing direct control over critical internet data transmission. Owning its infrastructure allows Meta to prioritize its own traffic needs, ensuring a smooth experience for its billions of users worldwide.
The company has experienced substantial growth beyond North America, with international markets contributing significantly to their revenue.
“They make money from the product they deliver to the end user, and they will do whatever it takes to ensure the customer experience, whether it’s video delivery or other assets,” said Ranulf Scarborough, an analyst specializing in submarine cables.
Strategic Planning Avoids Global Geopolitical Tension
While competition for underwater cable construction resources is fierce, Meta aims to steer clear of emerging global geopolitical tensions.
Scarborough elaborates:
“The supply of cable ships is really limited at the moment. They are expensive and booked out years in advance. Finding the resources to do complex projects quickly is a real challenge.
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The planned route for the cable network currently stretches from the East coast of the US, across the Atlantic Ocean to India via South Africa. It will continue westward from India, following a path across the Indian Ocean and looping back to the West Coast of the US via Australia.
By circumventing regions known for potential conflict or instability, Meta aims to safeguard its cable network from future disruption.
What are the potential downsides of Meta owning its own undersea cable network?
## Meta’s Billion Dollar Bet: An Underwater Data Highway?
**Today we’re joined by submarine cable expert Sunil Tagare to discuss Meta’s ambitious plan to build a global undersea cable network.**
**Welcome, Sunil. Can you tell us more about this project?**
**Sunil Tagare:** Thanks for having me. Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is investing heavily in building their own dedicated fiber optic cable network spanning over 40,000 kilometers. This would be a truly massive undertaking, costing potentially over $10 billion.
**That’s an incredible sum. What’s motivating Meta to take on such a costly project?**
**Sunil Tagare:** It’s all about control and capacity. By owning their own network, Meta gains complete control over their data flow, ensuring privacy and minimizing reliance on third-party providers. Plus, with such a massive user base, they need a lot of bandwidth to move all that data around the world. This network would provide them with the capacity they need to handle their growing demands.
**
This project sounds like a game changer for Meta. Are there any potential downsides?**
**Sunil Tagare:** Certainly. Building and maintaining a network of this scale is a massive undertaking with logistical and environmental challenges. There are also concerns about potential monopolistic control over data flow.
**It will be interesting to see how this project unfolds. What are your thoughts on the potential impact of Meta’s underwater data highway?**
**Sunil Tagare:** This project could reshape the landscape of internet infrastructure. It has the potential to give Meta a significant advantage in terms of speed, reliability, and data control. But it also raises important questions about competition, privacy, and the future of the internet itself.
**Thank you, Sunil, for sharing your insights on this fascinating development.**
[[1](https://fairinternetreport.com/research/facebook-meta-submarine-cable-ownership)]
