Meta Unveils Plan for World’s Longest Undersea Internet Cable Spanning Five Continents

Project Waterworth Aims to Connect the US, India, South Africa, Brazil, and More with 50,000 km of High-Capacity Subsea Cables

In a groundbreaking move to expand global connectivity, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced plans to build the world’s longest undersea internet cable. Dubbed Project Waterworth, the initiative will span over 50,000 kilometers (31,000 miles) and connect five continents, including the US, India, South Africa, and Brazil.

Meta revealed that the new subsea cable will feature 24 high-capacity fibers, enabling it to carry significantly more data than existing systems. The project aims to provide “industry-leading connectivity” to regions across the globe, supporting not only internet access but also Meta’s ambitious artificial intelligence (AI) projects.

In a blog post, Meta stated, “This project will enable greater economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion, and open opportunities for technological development in these regions.”

Subsea cables have become the backbone of global internet infrastructure, with over 95% of the world’s internet traffic traveling through them. According to TeleGeography, a telecommunications market research firm, there are currently more than 600 known underwater cable systems worldwide.

Professor Vili Lehdonvirta of the Oxford Internet Institute highlighted the shift in subsea cable development, noting, “Over the past decade, there has been a shift in which these cables are increasingly laid by large technology companies.”

While Meta is widely recognized for its social media platforms, Project Waterworth underscores the company’s growing influence in the global technology sector. By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, Meta aims to strengthen its position as a leader in connectivity and AI development.

The project is expected to enhance internet speeds, reduce latency, and improve reliability for millions of users, particularly in regions with limited connectivity. It also aligns with Meta’s broader mission to bridge the digital divide and foster technological innovation worldwide.

As Meta moves forward with Project Waterworth, the company will collaborate with global partners to design, lay, and maintain the undersea cable system. The project is expected to take several years to complete, given its unprecedented scale and complexity.

Once operational, the cable will not only boost Meta’s AI capabilities but also support economic growth, education, and healthcare in connected regions by enabling faster and more reliable internet access.

Meta’s Project Waterworth represents a bold step toward a more connected world. By building the longest undersea internet cable, the company is poised to transform global communication, drive technological advancement, and empower communities across five continents.