Meta to come up with $10 bn global subsea cable to boost infrastructure

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is reportedly preparing to launch its first fully owned global subsea cable, a groundbreaking project aimed at enhancing its global data infrastructure. According to a report by TechCrunch, the ambitious cable will stretch over 40,000 kilometers and is expected to cost upwards of $10 billion.

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Meta’s platforms, which drive significant internet traffic—10% of fixed and 22% of mobile globally—have seen exponential growth in data usage. The company’s expanding investments in artificial intelligence are further expected to fuel this demand. The planned subsea cable aims to address this surge, ensuring seamless operations across its platforms.

The project, currently in its early stages, is yet to see physical construction begin, with budgets still under review. Meta is expected to formally unveil the initiative in early 2025, along with specific details about the cable’s capacity, routing, and technical features.

Sources indicate that the cable will follow a unique "W" shaped route, connecting the U.S. east coast to India via South Africa and looping back to the U.S. west coast through Australia. Once operational, the cable will provide Meta with a dedicated data route, underscoring the company’s commitment to scaling its infrastructure for the future.

This strategic move reflects Meta’s vision to remain at the forefront of global connectivity and internet innovation.