Meta is rumored to be developing a massive fiber-optic subsea cable spanning 25,000 miles, connecting the US, South Africa, India, and Australia. Expected to cost over $10 billion, the project will reportedly remain under Meta’s full ownership, according to subsea cable expert Sunil Tagare, who anticipates an official announcement in 2025.
The cable will face logistical challenges, including limited availability of cable ships, which may require phased construction, noted analyst Ranulf Scarborough. The design will aim to avoid geopolitical hotspots like the Red Sea, South China Sea, and Straits of Malacca to reduce risks of sabotage.
Undersea cables are crucial for digital infrastructure but have been targeted in the past, such as a recent alleged attempt by a Chinese ship in the Baltic Sea. Meta’s investment aligns with its goal of enhancing user experience, particularly for video streaming.
The project mirrors other tech firms’ initiatives, including Google’s recent plans to connect the US, Fiji, French Polynesia, and Australia with its Honomoana and Tabua cables. Meta’s venture highlights the growing importance of private ownership in digital connectivity.
