Meta announces Project Waterworth, a 50,000-kilometer undersea cable network that will be the world's longest, connecting the US, India, Brazil, and South Africa.
By Aniket Chakraborty
Feb 20, 2025
The cable system features advanced 24-fiber pair technology, surpassing traditional 8-16 fiber pair systems for superior data transmission capacity.
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Meta has already developed over 20 undersea cable systems, but Project Waterworth marks its most ambitious infrastructure project yet.
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The network will be laid up to 7,000 meters deep with enhanced burial techniques in high-risk coastal areas to protect from damage.
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India is highlighted as a major beneficiary, with the project aimed at accelerating the country's digital economy growth and tech industry.
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The cable network will handle critical internet traffic, as undersea cables currently carry more than 95% of global internet data.
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NATO has increased surveillance of ships in the Baltic Sea following recent damage to undersea cables, highlighting security concerns.
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The project addresses growing concerns about undersea cable vulnerability, as demonstrated by Tonga's recent internet outage due to cable damage.
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Meta's enhanced security measures include special protection against ship anchors and other hazards in shallow coastal waters.
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The network's length exceeds Earth's circumference, positioning Meta as a key player in global internet infrastructure development.