Meta Plans to Invest $10 Billion in a Global Submarine Cable Network

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is reportedly planning to build an extensive global submarine Internet cable system spanning over 40,000 kilometers.

According to TechCrunch, the project is expected to cost over $10 billion, marking Meta's first ownership and exclusive use of such a large-scale submarine cable network.

Submarine cable expert Sunil Tagare, who first mentioned the project in October, stated that the initial budget was $2 billion but is projected to increase significantly over the years. A source close to Meta has confirmed the project but noted it is still in its early stages, declining to discuss specific financial details.

Meta is expected to release more details in early 2025, including the project timeline, data transmission capacity, and its strategic objectives. The proposed cable system would create a dedicated data route for Meta, connecting the U.S. East Coast to India via South Africa, then looping from India to the U.S. West Coast via Australia, forming a "W"-shaped path around the globe.

Challenges and Execution Strategy

Building the submarine cable poses challenges, as there are limited companies capable of such infrastructure projects, many of which already have significant commitments, such as SubCom. A feasible approach may involve constructing the network in phases.

The project is led by Santosh Janardhan, Meta's head of global infrastructure. Meta's global teams, particularly its South Africa branch, are actively planning and overseeing the project.

Strategic Implications

Submarine cables have been the backbone of global communication infrastructure for the past 40 years. Meta's initiative highlights a shift in ownership of submarine networks from telecom consortia to tech giants. The move aligns with Meta’s broader goals, including securing prioritized data transmission for its platforms, mitigating geopolitical risks, and supporting potential AI data centers in India.

Currently, Meta co-owns 16 submarine cable networks, the most recent being the 2Africa system surrounding Africa. However, the company’s interest in exclusive cable ownership stems from a desire to enhance user experience, optimize traffic across its platforms, and gain greater control over its infrastructure.

As of now, Meta has not commented on the project.