Meta To Build Subsea Network

As a seasoned analyst with over two decades of experience in the tech and telecom sectors, I find this initiative by Meta intriguing. The strategic planning and foresight demonstrated by avoiding geopolitically tense regions while connecting key global points is reminiscent of a well-designed chess game.


This project seeks to create a worldwide, privately-owned data network that strengthens connections globally, avoiding areas with high political tension.

Strategic Objectives

The tentatively titled “W” cable is planned to link the U.S. East Coast with the West Coast, passing through key locations in India, South Africa, and Australia. In doing so, it bypasses potentially volatile areas like the Red Sea, South China Sea, and Straits of Malacca, which are prone to cable disruptions. Meta aims to establish a more secure and dependable data transmission network with this approach.

Ownership and Control

Unlike its involvement in 16 pre-existing underwater cables, Meta intends to solely own this new subsea cable. This exclusive ownership will enable the company to prioritize its data flow, mirroring strategies used by tech giants such as Google, who have invested in private cable routes to strengthen their global network infrastructure.

Timeline and Development

At present, the project is just starting out, with an estimated duration of 5 to 10 years before it becomes active. By early 2025, Meta plans to share comprehensive details about the cable’s potential capabilities, its exact path, and the reasoning behind the decision to construct it privately.

The increasing worldwide need for data is leading to major investments in underwater cable systems. In the timeframe between 2023 and 2025, it’s expected that there will be a $10 billion increase in new cables being deployed, which would amount to around 78 additional systems and over 300,000 kilometers of new cable. This expansion trend is further reinforced by Meta’s latest project, demonstrating their dedication to improving global connectivity on a grand scale.

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2024-12-01 15:26