Meta Unveils World’s Longest Undersea Cable Project to Link US, India, and Beyond

Meta has announced plans to build the world’s longest underwater cable project, spanning 50,000km (31,000 miles), longer than the Earth’s circumference, The Guardian reported. Dubbed Project Waterworth, the initiative will connect the US, India, South Africa, Brazil, and other regions, using a 24 fibre-pair system for enhanced capacity.

The project aims to support Meta’s AI initiatives and boost digital infrastructure in key regions. In a blog post, Meta highlighted its potential to drive economic cooperation, digital inclusion, and technological development. For India, where digital growth is already significant, the cable will accelerate progress and bolster the country’s digital economy plans.

Undersea cables carry over 95% of global internet traffic, making them critical yet vulnerable to damage or sabotage. Meta plans to deploy advanced burial techniques to mitigate risks in high-fault areas, ensuring resilience against ship anchors and other hazards.

This announcement follows growing concerns over undersea cable security amid geopolitical tensions.