Tech Desk 
Nov 30, 2024
Meta plans to build a massive undersea cable that would help in improving global internet connectivity. Meta already handles 10% of fixed and 22% of mobile internet traffic globally.
The project would be the first entirely owned and operated global cable by Meta. It covers an area of 40,000 kilometres and is going to be more than $10 billion. This would help make Meta's network infrastructure robust and would support its emerging AI technology.
Meta 40,000 km submarine cable project
The Meta project would create an exclusive data pipeline around the world. The cable is projected to follow a "W" route, connecting from the US east coast to India via South Africa and from there to the US west coast through Australia.
This ambitious piece of infrastructure would increase and stabilise internet speeds for millions more. However, the project is still in the early days, and construction has just begun. According to its experts, it would take approximately several years to complete it.
One of the biggest challenges is the scarcity of cable-laying ships, which are costly and already booked months in advance. Meta would likely lay the cable segment by segment.
A public announcement outlining the route, capacity, and intent of the cable is expected to be issued in early 2025.
Meta had experience in this field, having laid an undersea cable that has connected Pakistan with other parts of the world, which has then enhanced connectivity in the country.
