Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is expanding its global influence with a new ambitious project. The tech giant announced its plans to construct a 50,000 km (31,000 mile) undersea cable that will span across multiple continents. Named Waterworth, this new cable system will link the United States, India, South Africa, Brazil, and several other regions. Once completed, the cable will be the longest underwater system ever built.

Meta’s focus is no longer limited to its social media platforms. The company is now making significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital infrastructure needed to support these technologies. This new undersea cable project will further enhance Meta’s AI-driven initiatives and provide “industry-leading connectivity” across five continents, including parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.

The project promises to boost economic collaboration, promote digital inclusion, and create more opportunities for technological growth in these regions. Meta highlighted in a blog post that the new cable would also strengthen its AI research and enhance its ability to handle vast data flows, crucial for the growing demands of digital services.

The Need for Global Connectivity

Undersea cables play a critical role in the world’s digital infrastructure. These cables carry about 95% of global internet traffic, making them vital for maintaining smooth communication worldwide. With over 600 publicly known undersea cables in operation, these systems form the backbone of the global internet.

Meta’s new Waterworth cable will be the longest to feature a 24-fiber-pair system, which greatly increases the data capacity compared to previous cables. This increase in capacity is essential as the demand for high-speed internet and data transfer grows.

In addition to Waterworth, Meta has been involved in other large-scale projects aimed at improving global connectivity. One such project is the 2Africa cable, a 45,000 km system that links three continents and strengthens digital infrastructure in key regions. Meta has partnered with telecom giants like Orange, Vodafone, and China Mobile for this project, underscoring the company’s role in shaping the future of global communications.

Big Tech’s Growing Influence on Connectivity

In recent years, large tech companies have taken the lead in financing and building undersea cable systems. Google, for instance, recently unveiled plans to build the first undersea cable linking Africa and Australia. The company has also pledged $1 billion to enhance connectivity in Japan with two new Pacific Ocean cables. This shift marks a change from the past when national telecom providers handled the financing and management of these expensive infrastructure projects.

This trend raises concerns about the growing concentration of power in the hands of a few large tech firms. Professor Vili Lehdonvirta, from the Oxford Internet Institute, points out that tech giants like Meta and Google are increasingly taking charge of projects that were once the domain of national telecom companies. This could lead to a monopolistic digital ecosystem where these companies control much of the world’s connectivity infrastructure.

According to telecom and tech analyst Paolo Pescatore, Meta’s Waterworth cable fits perfectly into the company’s larger strategy. “Meta is determined to control more of the connectivity ecosystem,” he said. “This project further solidifies its ambition to integrate hardware, software, platforms, and connectivity, all while enhancing user experience across its services.”

Security and Geopolitical Risks of Undersea Cables

While the benefits of undersea cables are clear, they come with their own set of risks. Undersea cables are vulnerable to damage from natural disasters, accidents, or even deliberate attacks. Disruptions to these cables could severely impact global communication, making them a potential target in geopolitical conflicts.

There have already been several incidents involving severed cables, and experts have raised concerns about the security of these critical infrastructure systems. In response to rising threats, NATO launched a mission in January to monitor vessels in the Baltic Sea. This follows damage to key undersea cables last year that affected communications between Europe and the rest of the world.

The UK has also expressed concerns about the security of its undersea infrastructure. A parliamentary committee recently investigated the country’s vulnerability to disruptions, with a particular focus on the potential threats posed by Russia and China. These countries have been known to develop capabilities that could target subsea networks, especially in times of heightened geopolitical tensions.

Meta is aware of these risks and has made plans to mitigate them. The company has stated that Waterworth’s cables will be laid up to 7,000 meters deep in some areas. It will also use advanced burial techniques in high-risk zones, particularly near coastlines, to prevent damage from ship anchors and other hazards. Meta’s route selection seems to avoid geopolitical hotspots such as the Suez Canal and the South China Sea. This is likely a strategic move to reduce the project’s exposure to potential geopolitical conflicts.

By connecting the United States with key markets in the Southern Hemisphere, Meta’s project also positions the US as a major player in the global digital infrastructure race. Prof. Lehdonvirta suggests that this connection will help strengthen the US’s economic and infrastructure influence, particularly in emerging markets.

Conclusion

Meta’s Waterworth project is not just about expanding its own business operations; it’s also about shaping the future of global connectivity. As tech giants continue to invest in digital infrastructure, the balance of power in the connectivity ecosystem is shifting. This project will allow Meta to solidify its influence over global data traffic, enhance its AI capabilities, and play a key role in connecting regions that are crucial for future economic growth.

The growing role of big tech in global infrastructure is a trend that will continue to shape the future of the internet. As Meta’s investment in Waterworth demonstrates, these companies are now driving the digital world’s backbone. While this trend has many benefits, it also raises important questions about security, market concentration, and the geopolitical ramifications of controlling such critical infrastructure.

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