Meta has unveiled its most ambitious subsea cable project to date: Project Waterworth. This initiative aims to construct a 50,000 km subsea cable system, surpassing the Earth's circumference, to enhance global connectivity across five continents. The project is set to link regions including the U.S., India, Brazil, and South Africa, fostering economic cooperation and digital inclusion. (Engineering at Meta)
Subsea cables are critical to global digital infrastructure, facilitating over 95% of intercontinental data traffic. Project Waterworth represents a multi-billion dollar investment designed to bolster the capacity and reliability of these digital pathways. The project will introduce three new oceanic routes, providing the high-speed connectivity essential for advancing AI technologies worldwide. (Engineering at Meta)
Building upon a decade of experience and collaboration, Meta has previously developed over 20 subsea cables, including systems utilizing 24 fiber pairs—significantly more than the standard 8 to 16 pairs. Project Waterworth continues this trend, featuring the world's longest 24 fiber pair cable. Innovative engineering approaches will be employed to enhance cable resilience, such as deep-water routing at depths reaching 7,000 meters and advanced burial techniques in shallow, high-risk areas to protect against potential hazards like ship anchors. (Engineering at Meta)
As AI continues to revolutionize various sectors, the demand for robust, expansive infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. Through Project Waterworth, Meta aims to ensure that the transformative benefits of AI and emerging technologies are accessible globally, irrespective of geographic location. (Engineering at Meta)
