Meta Plans $10 Billion, 40,000 km Subsea Cable to Boost Connectivity and Support AI

Nov 29, 2024, 12:48 PM

Meta Platforms Inc. plans to build a $10 billion subsea fiber-optic cable spanning over 40,000 kilometers around the world, according to sources familiar with the matter. The project, which begins with an initial $2 billion budget, aims to enhance global internet connectivity and support Meta's services, including Facebook and WhatsApp, as well as the company's artificial intelligence growth. Meta, which accounts for 10% of all fixed and 22% of mobile internet traffic, intends to bolster data capacity with this endeavor. The proposed cable, designed to be W-shaped to strategically avoid geopolitical hotspots, is expected to connect the U.S. East Coast to India via South Africa and then link back to the U.S. West Coast through routes in Asia and Australia. Meta is expected to publicly announce more details about the project, including the intended route and capacity, in early 2025.