Meta plans to link US, India with world’s longest undersea cable
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Meta is planning to build the world's longest underwater cable project, which connects the US, India, South Africa, Brazil, and other regions.
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Illustration of undersea cables, undated (AFP)
Meta has announced plans to build the longest underwater cable in the world, linking the US, India, South Africa, Brazil, and other regions. The tech giant stated that this cable would be the longest ever to utilize a 24-fiber-pair system, enhancing its capacity and supporting its AI initiatives.
The initiative, called Project Waterworth, features a 50,000-kilometer (31,000-mile) subsea cable—exceeding the Earth's circumference in length.
The project reportedly aims to enhance economic cooperation, promote digital inclusion, and create opportunities for technological advancement in these regions.
"For example, in India, where we’ve already seen significant growth and investment in digital infrastructure, Waterworth will help accelerate this progress and support the country’s ambitious plans for its digital economy," Meta said in a statement.
The company added, "We’ve driven infrastructure innovation with various partners over the past decade, developing more than 20 subsea cables."
"This includes multiple deployments of industry-leading subsea cables of 24 fiber pairs – compared to the typical 8 to 16 fiber pairs of other new systems."
Globally, over 95% of internet traffic is transmitted via undersea cables, raising concerns about their vulnerability to attacks, accidents, and potential targeting amid geopolitical tensions and conflicts.
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