Meta, the tech behemoth behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is charting a bold course toward technological self-sufficiency. The company plans to construct a $10 billion undersea fiber-optic cable, spanning over 40,000 kilometers, making it Meta’s first wholly owned global communications artery. This ambitious project is designed to connect continents, support burgeoning user traffic, and anchor Meta’s expanding AI initiatives.

A Game-Changing Move in Connectivity
TechCrunch confirms that this cable, poised to encircle the globe, represents a strategic pivot for Meta, securing its control over data transmission. Unlike its previous collaborative endeavors, such as the 2Africa cable, Meta will have exclusive ownership and control. Sources say this cable will form a “W” route, linking the U.S. East Coast to India via South Africa and looping back to the U.S. West Coast through Australia.

“Meta’s vision goes beyond just owning infrastructure,” says Sunil Tagare, a subsea cable expert who first reported on the project. “This is about ensuring quality, prioritizing traffic, and future-proofing its ecosystem in a connected world.”

The Why Behind the Wires
Meta’s motivations are multi-fold. First, sole ownership means eliminating dependencies on traditional telecom operators, allowing faster and more reliable delivery of its services. This infrastructure is particularly crucial as Meta’s global user base grows and AI-driven applications demand greater bandwidth.

Geopolitical Tensions and Strategic Routing
The cable’s planned route reflects careful consideration of global conflict zones. Recent incidents, such as the suspected Russian sabotage of Baltic cables, highlight the vulnerabilities of existing subsea networks. By bypassing high-risk regions like the Red Sea and the South China Sea, Meta aims to mitigate geopolitical risks.

India as the Hub of Meta’s Vision
India plays a central role in this ambitious plan. As Meta’s largest user market, with over a billion combined users across its platforms, the country presents a lucrative opportunity. Analysts speculate that Meta may leverage the cable to establish AI-focused data centers in India, where computing costs are significantly lower. Such a move aligns with India’s rising aspirations as a global AI hub.

Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, the project is not without challenges. Submarine cable construction is a capital-intensive and resource-constrained industry, with builders like SubCom already stretched thin. Additionally, regulatory hurdles, such as the FCC’s upcoming overhaul of cable licensing, could introduce further complications.

The Bigger Picture
Meta’s $10 billion cable marks a pivotal shift in digital infrastructure ownership. It’s not just a technological leap but a statement of independence, placing Meta alongside other tech giants like Google and Amazon in reshaping the digital connectivity landscape.

For more details, read the full report on TechCrunch.