Introduction to Project Waterworth
Meta has confirmed that it is developing "Project Waterworth," a subsea cable project that spans over 50,000 km and connects five continents. This announcement comes after rumors emerged last year about the project’s early stages. The company has previously partnered on other cable projects but will own this subsea infrastructure outright.
Technical Details and Partnerships
The project will touch land in the US, Brazil, India, and South Africa, marking a significant technical achievement. Meta claims that Waterworth is the longest 24 fiber pair cable project globally, utilizing "first-of-its-kind routing" to place cables at depths of up to 7,000 meters. This depth is crucial to avoid undersea hazards such as boats dropping and dragging their anchors, which can cause permanent damage and disrupt service.
Visual Representation
Usage and Benefits
While Meta’s announcement does not provide detailed information on how the cable will be used, it notes that subsea cables enable digital communication, video experiences, online transactions, and more. High-speed connectivity is essential for AI innovation. Given that Meta services and platforms account for about 10 percent of global fixed internet usage and 22 percent of mobile traffic, the company’s existing businesses will likely benefit from a stable connection.
International Involvement
Notably, Meta is not the only entity backing the project. A United States-India joint statement revealed that India is financially involved in Waterworth, planning to help finance, maintain, and repair the portions of the cable in the Indian Ocean. This international collaboration underscores the project’s significance and global impact.
Source Link
