In today’s hyper-connected world, subsea cables power the internet, carrying over 95% of intercontinental data traffic. While wireless networks, satellites, and 5G dominate discussions, the true backbone of the internet lies beneath the ocean, where fiber-optic cables stretch across thousands of kilometers, enabling instant communication between continents.
In February 2025, Meta officially announced Project Waterworth, an ambitious $10 billion+ subsea cable project spanning 50,000 kilometers, making it the longest subsea cable network in history. This initiative aligns with Meta’s long-term vision to control its digital infrastructure, reduce reliance on telecom providers, and support AI-driven applications and cloud computing.
With landing points in the U.S., India, Brazil, South Africa, and several strategic locations, Project Waterworth is not just a technological feat but also a geopolitical and economic milestone. This article explores its historical context, technical innovations, geopolitical implications, economic benefits, and future challenges.
The Evolution of Subsea Cables: From Telegraph to AI Infrastructure
The Birth of Global Communication
The first transatlantic telegraph cable was laid in 1858, allowing communication between the U.S. and Europe. While it took 17 hours to transmit a single message, it was a revolutionary step towards globalization. Over the next century, undersea cables evolved from copper to fiber optics, exponentially increasing data transmission speeds.
The Rise of Fiber-Optic Subsea Cables
The 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of fiber-optic cables, enabling high-speed internet and cloud computing. Today, over 500 subsea cables crisscross the ocean, covering 1.4 million kilometers globally.
The Shift to Private Tech-Owned Cables
Historically, telecom companies owned and operated subsea cables, leasing bandwidth to corporations. However, Big Tech giants like Google, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft are now laying their own cables, securing dedicated infrastructure for cloud computing and AI-driven applications.
Comparison of Major Subsea Cables
Cable Name | Length (km) | Owner(s) | Capacity (Tbps) | Regions Connected |
2Africa | 45,000 | Meta & Partners | 180 | Africa, Middle East, Europe |
Dunant | 6,600 | 250 | U.S., France | |
Marea | 6,600 | Microsoft, Meta, Telxius | 200 | U.S., Spain |
Grace Hopper | 7,000 | 350 | U.S., UK, Spain | |
Japan-Guam-Australia | 9,500 | Various | 36 | Asia-Pacific |
Project Waterworth | 50,000 | Meta | Unknown (Likely >300) | U.S., India, Brazil, South Africa & more |
Project Waterworth will outpace all previous subsea cable projects, marking a new era of privately owned global internet infrastructure.
Project Waterworth: Breaking New Ground in Network Technology
Unmatched Scale and Engineering Innovations
Project Waterworth will utilize 24 fiber pair cables, compared to the traditional 8 to 16 pairs, exponentially increasing its data capacity.
Key technological innovations include:
Deep-Water Routing – The cable will be laid at depths of up to 7,000 meters, avoiding areas prone to human or environmental interference.
Advanced Burial Techniques – In high-risk regions, cables will be buried deeper to reduce faults caused by geopolitics or seabed movements.
Multi-Path Routing – Unlike traditional linear cables, Waterworth will use redundant pathways, ensuring data rerouting in case of failure.
According to Gaya Nagarajan, VP of Engineering at Meta,
"Project Waterworth represents the most significant private subsea investment ever, setting a new benchmark for global connectivity and AI-driven infrastructure."
Geopolitical and Economic Implications
Strengthening U.S.-India Digital Cooperation
Project Waterworth has been referenced in the U.S.-India Joint Leaders’ Statement, signaling its geopolitical importance. The statement mentions:"India intends to invest in maintenance, repair, and financing of undersea cables in the Indian Ocean, using trusted vendors."
This reflects India’s ambition to expand its digital economy, particularly as it emerges as a global AI and data center hub.
India’s Subsea Cable Landscape Before and After Waterworth
Year | No. of International Cables | Total Capacity (Tbps) | Major Data Centers |
2015 | 8 | 50 | 12 |
2020 | 14 | 120 | 35 |
2025 (Post-Waterworth) | 18 | 250+ | 60+ |
Economic Benefits: Powering AI, Cloud, and Emerging Markets
Enhancing AI and Cloud Services
Meta’s main goal is to support AI and cloud-based applications, especially in emerging markets like India, Brazil, and Africa.
Projected AI and Cloud Market Growth by 2030
Region | AI Market Size ($ Billion) | Cloud Market Size ($ Billion) |
U.S. | 2,000 | 1,500 |
India | 600 | 400 |
Brazil | 150 | 120 |
Africa | 100 | 80 |
As AI adoption accelerates, high-speed subsea infrastructure will be critical to enabling real-time data processing, machine learning, and automation.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Project Waterworth will connect underserved regions, providing faster internet access and boosting economic growth. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria will see reduced latency, improved cloud services, and greater digital inclusion.
Future Challenges and Risks
While promising, Project Waterworth faces several risks:
Geopolitical Tensions – Data sovereignty concerns could lead to regulatory challenges, especially in China and the EU.
Cybersecurity Threats – Undersea cables are potential targets for cyberattacks and espionage.
Environmental Impact – Deep-sea cable installations disrupt marine ecosystems and require careful planning.
Meta must navigate these risks while ensuring the project remains economically and technically viable.
A Paradigm Shift in Global Digital Infrastructure
Project Waterworth is not merely a cable network—it is a strategic move that positions Meta as a leader in global internet infrastructure. By ensuring faster, more resilient, and AI-optimized digital highways, it is reshaping the future of connectivity.
As the world becomes increasingly AI-driven, subsea networks like Waterworth will define the speed, security, and accessibility of global data transmission.
For deep-dive analyses on global tech trends, follow Dr. Shahid Masood and the expert team at 1950.ai.
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