Meta has announced a massive undersea internet cable project. The new system, called Project Waterworth, will connect the U.S., Brazil, Africa, India, and Australia. It will be the longest undersea cable ever built, spanning over 50,000 km.
The company plans to own and operate the entire project. This will be different from its previous partnerships on undersea cables.
The project is expected to cost Meta over $10 billion. It will help improve global internet connections and support economic growth in connected regions.
The cable will link the U.S. East Coast to Brazil and then connect South Africa, India, and Australia. It will then return to the U.S. West Coast.
According to Meta, this will be the first direct link between Brazil and South Africa. It will also be the only cable connecting India to Australia while avoiding the Strait of Malacca.
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Boosting Digital Growth and Security
Meta says the project will boost digital inclusion and support economic growth in key areas. The company stated, “This project will enable greater economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion, and open opportunities for technological development in these regions.
“For example, in India, where we’ve already seen significant growth and investment in digital infrastructure, Waterworth will help accelerate this progress and support the country’s ambitious plans for its digital economy.”
Another key reason for the project is security. Recent disruptions to undersea cables have raised concerns about global connectivity.
Reports suggest that cargo ships linked to Russia and China have cut some cables. These incidents have affected communications and electricity networks.
Project Waterworth aims to avoid areas with a high risk of disruption. The route avoids Europe and the South China Sea, where geopolitical tensions are high.
Meta has not announced a completion date yet. However, experts predict it will take years to build. The project highlights Meta’s growing role in global internet infrastructure. If successful, it will change digital connections across the southern hemisphere.