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Meta is reportedly planning a significant new project to construct a global fiber-optic subsea cable.
According to TechCrunch, the ambitious project, spanning over 40,000 kilometers, could involve an investment exceeding $10 billion. The report also highlighted that the cable network would steer clear of “areas of geopolitical tension” where subsea cables have previously been sabotaged, including the Red Sea, the South China Sea, Egypt, Marseilles, the Straits of Malacca, and Singapore.
In February, ReadWrite reported that FBI Christopher Director Wray warned countries like Russia were continuing reconnaissance on critical infrastructure like underwater cables. He stated, “Once access is established, a hacker can switch from information gathering to attack quickly and without notice.” It has been speculated that Meta may want to establish its undersea network for this reason.
Sources close to Meta have confirmed the project to the outlet but pointed out that it remains in its early stages. While plans have been outlined, no physical assets have been deployed, and the budget details were not disclosed.
Meta is expected to provide more public information about the initiative in early 2025, including confirmation of the cable’s plans, its intended route, capacity, and the rationale behind its development.
Why Is Meta ‘building an undersea cable network’?
Subsea cables, which are traditionally funded by telecom consortiums, are now increasingly owned by tech giants like Meta. Already a part-owner of 16 networks, including the 2Africa cable, Meta’s new project marks its first fully owned subsea cable, showcasing a shift in infrastructure investment and ownership dynamics. This would align Meta with Google’s approach, as the company privately owns several cable routes and has invested in 33 others.
Subsea cable expert Sunil Tagare initially revealed Meta’s plan to construct the “mother of all submarine cables,” named “W” for its shape, in October. He estimated the ambitious project could take 5 to 10 years to complete.
Last month, the Federal Communications Commission announced its plan to review submarine cable licensing for the first time in decades, citing concerns about national security and cable ownership. This could motivate Meta, the sole owner of a route designed to pass through secure corridors.
ReadWrite has reached out to Meta for comment.
Featured image: Ideogram
