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 logistical challenges involved in laying a 24,000 mile undersea cable?
## Meta’s Billion Dollar Dive: An Exclusive Interview
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing a truly ambitious project: Meta’s plan to build a massive undersea fiber optic cable network. Joining us to shed light on this endeavor is [Guest Name], a technology analyst specializing in global connectivity. Welcome to the show [Guest Name].
**Guest:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** So, Meta’s investing over $10 billion in this project. That’s a hefty sum. Can you tell us what prompted this move and what the potential benefits are?
**Guest:** Absolutely. This project is driven by Meta’s need to support the increasing data demands of its platforms. As we know, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are incredibly popular, accounting for a significant portion of global internet traffic [[1](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/meta-establish-10bn-undersea-cable-100556054.html)].
By building its own dedicated network, Meta gains more control over data flow, latency, and security. It essentially creates a superhighway for its data, ensuring faster speeds and greater reliability for its billions of users.
**Host:** It’s a huge undertaking though, spanning over 24,000 miles [[1](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/meta-establish-10bn-undersea-cable-100556054.html)]. What are some of the logistical challenges involved in such a project?
**Guest:** It’s a monumental task, no doubt. Laying underwater cables across such vast distances requires sophisticated engineering, specialized ships, and careful planning to navigate diverse seabeds and weather conditions. Not to mention the environmental considerations and permitting processes involved.
**Host:** Intriguing. What does this project mean for the broader landscape of internet infrastructure? Could this spark a trend among other tech giants?
**Guest:** It definitely raises interesting questions. Historically, tech companies have relied on existing undersea cable networks. Meta’s move might encourage others to follow suit, especially as the demand for data continues to grow exponentially.
**Host:** Fascinating. Well, this is certainly a project to keep an eye on. [Guest Name], thanks so much for sharing your insights today.
**Guest:** My pleasure.
