[Discussion] Meta's $10B Undersea Cable: Redefining Global Connectivity

[Uncrowned Guard]

Meta Ventures into an Ambitious Subsea Cable Project

In a startling and ambitious leap, Meta is reportedly set to construct what experts are dubbing the mother of all submarine cables. TechCrunch reports that the groundbreaking project is estimated to cost around $10 billion. The underlying ambition of this venture is to create an expansive fiber-optic subsea cable network encircling the globe while circumventing zones notorious for geopolitical confrontations.

A Massive Project that Strives to Bypass Geo-political Hotspots

The proposed cable project is planned to traverse a length of over 40,000 kilometers, equivalent to nearly 24,850 miles. The projected network will notably avoid areas known for underwater cable vandalism, such as the Red Sea, South China Sea, Egypt, Marseilles, the Straits of Malacca, and Singapore. The ingenious route is expected to considerably lessen the risks associated with these volatile locations.

The Rationale Behind Meta’s Unparalleled Subsea Network

Despite being a part-owner of 16 other existing networks, Meta seeks to expand its technological empire with this endeavor. The upshot will be a cable route wholly possessed by the company. This move is set to allow Meta unfettered control to prioritize traffic to its unique array of products and services, lining up with Google's strides, which already privately owns several cable routes and has a stake in 33 others.

Originally reported by subsea cable specialist Sunil Tagare, Meta has purportedly been planning this colossal undersea cable network since October. The venture, known as "W" due to its map shape, is predicted to cost around $10 billion and is likely to take approximately 5 to 10 years to complete. TechCrunch anticipates that Meta's revelation of specifics such as the route, capacity, and the reasons behind the private construction of this cable is expected around 2025.

The Path Envisioned for Meta's Global Submarine Cable

Reports point to Meta's undersea cable potentially stretching from the US's east coast, looping back to the west coast, with connection points in India, South Africa, and Australia. The primary aim is to sidestep regions that have recently experienced an upsurge in underwater cable disruptions. These disturbances necessitate a confidential worldwide network of ships for repair, making their avoidance an essential part of the envisaged plan.

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