Meta Plans Ambitious $10 Billion Subsea Cable to Encircle the Globe

The proposed 40,000-kilometer fiber-optic network aims to avoid geopolitical hotspots and provide exclusive connectivity for Meta's platforms.

The project, still in early stages, is estimated to cost over $10 billion and take 5-10 years to complete.
The cable, dubbed 'W' for its proposed route, would connect the US, South Africa, India, and Australia, spanning 40,000 kilometers.
Meta plans to be the sole owner and user of the cable, ensuring priority for its platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
The route is designed to bypass regions prone to geopolitical tensions, such as the Red Sea, South China Sea Egypt, to enhance resilience.
Meta is expected to formally announce the project in early 2025, with its capacity estimated at 320Tbps.