Meta announces project for world's longest submarine cable

Described by Meta as a “digital superhighway,” the cable will provide high-speed communications services around the world and provide reliable connections for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users. It will be the world’s longest cable and cost the company more than $10 billion.

Meta's submarine cable route is up to 50,000 km long.

The network will connect five continents, including key points in the US, Brazil, India and South Africa. TechCrunch said the importance of the project for India is particularly highlighted in this context as it will facilitate the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, providing stable and scalable communication capabilities, which are crucial for future digital services.

The project will use a new architecture with 24 pairs of fiber optic cables as well as innovative installation methods, the company said. "We will maximize the length of cables installed in deep sea areas, and apply new installation methods in high-risk areas to reduce the possibility of damage due to geographical and political factors," Meta said.

Purpose of the submarine cable from Meta

Geopolitics played a major role in Meta’s decision to build underwater infrastructure. In this regard, a recent joint statement by the leaders of the United States and India noted their commitment to jointly develop underwater technologies within the framework of their defense partnership, and mentioned Meta’s Waterworth project and India’s participation in funding it.

Meta stressed that the project will strengthen global digital infrastructure. “Digital media, video services and online transactions are just some of the areas that the Waterworth project will support,” said Meta vice president of engineering Gaya Nagarajan and global network investment director Alex-Handrah Aime. The company said the cable will create three new high-capacity sea lanes that will enable AI development on a global scale.

Notably, this is not Meta’s first such project. The company currently co-owns 16 networks, including the massive 2Africa project that spans the entire African continent. However, the Waterworth project will be Meta’s first fully owned submarine cable, similar to how Google operates its own fiber infrastructure.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/meta-cong-bo-du-an-tuyen-cap-ngam-dai-nhat-the-gioi-185250215114127006.htm