Meta will construct a 50,000 km subsea cable network connecting the US, India, Brazil, and South Africa. Named Project Waterworth, this multi-billion investment aims to enhance global digital infrastructure and support AI innovation by establishing three new ocean corridors. The project includes advanced placement and burial techniques to protect against maritime risks.
Meta, the social media leader, has announced plans to construct a 50,000 km subsea cable network linking the United States with India, Brazil, South Africa, and other significant areas. According to a company spokesperson, this project stands as the most extensive and technologically advanced subsea cable initiative globally, emphasizing Meta’s dedication to India, a key market for the company.
The project, named “Project Waterworth,” is a substantial, long-term investment aimed at enhancing the scale and dependability of global digital infrastructure. This endeavor will introduce three new oceanic corridors, facilitating high-speed connectivity essential for advancing artificial intelligence innovation worldwide, as stated in a recent Meta blog post.
Meta plans to employ innovative routing strategies, maximizing cable placement in deep waters (up to 7,000 meters deep) and utilizing advanced burial techniques in vulnerable areas, avoiding risks from ship anchors and other maritime hazards. This strategic approach aims to enhance the longevity and resilience of the subsea network.
The initiative stems from India’s increasing demand for digital services and reinforces Meta’s commitment to nurturing India’s evolving digital ecosystem while promoting technological progress. The undersea cable project earned appreciation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, who expressed gratitude for this investment.
Notably, the project’s addition will establish it as the 18th undersea cable project in India, complementing the existing network that includes around 17 international subsea cables linked to various landing stations across the country. As per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), these cables collectively support a lit capacity of 180 terabits per second (TBPS) and an active capacity of 132 TBPS.
In summary, Meta’s Project Waterworth highlights a significant advancement in global digital connectivity aimed to meet rising demands in India’s digital services sector. The investment promises to build robust infrastructures, enhancing technological innovations and operational reliability across diverse regional markets. The initiative is reinforced by high-level political support, marking a collaborative effort in expanding global communication networks.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
