The social media giant is set to invest in a massive 25,000-mile undersea fiber optic network, extending its global reach and bolstering internet infrastructure.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is reportedly embarking on a bold new project to build its own private undersea fiber optic cable network. Estimated to cost over $10 billion, the ambitious initiative is expected to span more than 25,000 miles, connecting multiple regions across the globe.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed to TechCrunch that Meta plans to announce its undersea cable project early next year. The network will extend across vast stretches of ocean, linking the East Coast of the United States to India via South Africa, and then from India to Australia and the U.S. West Coast. The cables will be exclusively owned and utilized by Meta, which is one of the largest global drivers of internet traffic, contributing to 22% of all mobile data usage worldwide.
This monumental undertaking comes as part of Meta’s broader strategy to enhance its global internet infrastructure, ensuring faster and more reliable connections for its billions of users. The company’s new cable project is likely to be a game-changer for international data traffic, improving connectivity for Meta’s platforms and providing a backbone for future technological advancements.
However, experts warn that Meta’s vision for this expansive undersea network will require significant time, resources, and partnerships. The company will need to secure contractors who specialize in laying fiber optic cables under the ocean and navigate complex regulatory and logistical hurdles before construction can begin.
If successful, Meta’s $10 billion undersea internet cable could reshape the future of global communication, setting a new standard for private internet infrastructure while solidifying the company’s role as a key player in the digital space.
