Following the confirmation of its $10 billion investment in a global submarine cable network in late November of last year, Meta has recently disclosed further details about this ambitious project, dubbed “Waterworth.” This state-of-the-art infrastructure will span an impressive length of over 5 kilometers, connecting five continents across the globe.
While Meta has participated in previous submarine cable ventures, these were primarily collaborative endeavors. This marks the first instance where Meta will solely construct and operate a submarine cable, utilizing it to bolster the network bandwidth essential for the seamless functioning of its diverse services.
The “Waterworth” project is slated to establish connections between the United States, Brazil, India, and South Africa, thereby fulfilling Meta’s global network connectivity requirements across five continents.
Moreover, Meta emphasizes that this submarine cable will be the world’s longest 24-pair optical fiber cable. Employing an innovative deployment strategy, it will be laid at greater depths, potentially reaching up to 7,000 meters. This strategic measure aims to mitigate the risk of damage or disruption caused by ship anchors or trawling activities.
Meta has remained discreet about the specific applications of “Waterworth,” only stating that it will enhance digital communication, video streaming, and online transaction experiences. It is also anticipated to contribute to advancements in artificial intelligence technology.
