Submarine Internet cable: Meta plans new global connection

Facebook parent company Meta is reportedly pursuing plans to build its own global submarine data cable. The cable, which will run in a W-shape on a map of the earth, will be over 40,000 kilometers long and connect several continents. Construction could begin in 2025. Meta itself has not yet commented on this.

According to the US tech blog TechCrunch, which cites the expert Sunil Tagare from OpenCables, the route of the cable is to run from the US East Coast via South Africa, India and Australia to the US West Coast. It would be the first submarine cable to be solely owned by Meta. The IT group already has shares in 16 submarine cables. The costs are estimated at over 10 billion US dollars.

Focus on connecting India

Meta's motivation is that, as the second largest driver of global Internet usage, the company is interested in reliable global connections that it can control itself. It is noticeable that the cable route bypasses current geopolitical hotspots. It avoids the Red Sea, the South China Sea and other corridors where tensions have arisen in the past.

Meta could also significantly improve its connection to India with the new link. With user numbers in the three-digit million range for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, the country is the largest user market for Meta services. Lower operating costs than in the USA also provide incentives to set up data centers there, which are also used globally. India has also moved into focus with regard to artificial intelligence efforts, according to the report. Other companies are also currently ensuring the country's digital rise.

Challenges in construction

However, Meta is also struggling with challenges. For example, it is difficult to find suitable companies that can lay the submarine cable. There are only a few of them and the order books are full. Google has also tied up many of the available staff. In addition, given the length of the cable, construction is planned in segments.

(mki)