News Desk
In a bold move underscoring its commitment to India’s growing digital economy, Meta has announced “Project Waterworth,” an ambitious plan to construct the world’s longest undersea cable system. Spanning over 50,000 kilometers and connecting five continents, the project aims to revolutionize global digital infrastructure. Expected to be operational by the end of the decade, the initiative places India at the heart of Meta’s vision.
India, one of Meta’s largest markets, will play a pivotal role in this multi-billion-dollar project, which was highlighted in the recent US-India Joint Leaders’ Statement issued during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States earlier this week.
“Meta is investing in India, one of its largest markets, bringing the world’s longest, highest capacity, and most technologically advanced subsea cable project to connect India, the US, and other locations,” a company spokesperson said on Saturday.
Undersea cables, which serve as the backbone of global internet connectivity, are critical to maintaining the seamless exchange of data across countries. Meta’s investment arrives amid growing calls from telecom operators for tech giants to contribute to network infrastructure, citing increased data traffic and the need to enhance user experiences.
The company’s blog on the project details cutting-edge advancements, including unprecedented routing techniques and enhanced burial methods to mitigate risks in high-fault areas like shallow coastal waters. The cables will reach depths of up to 7,000 meters in open ocean, safeguarding them from hazards such as ship anchors.
“This project will enable greater economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion, and open opportunities for technological development in these regions. In India, where we’ve already seen significant growth and investment in digital infrastructure, Waterworth will help accelerate this progress and support the country’s ambitious plans for its digital economy,” the blog stated.
The US-India joint statement also emphasized India’s intent to invest in the maintenance, repair, and financing of undersea cables in the Indian Ocean region, using trusted vendors to bolster resilience.
Meta’s spokesperson noted that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to fostering economic growth, creating resilient infrastructure, and advancing digital inclusion. “Driven by India’s growing demand for digital services, this investment reaffirms Meta’s commitment to economic growth, resilient infrastructure, and digital inclusion,” the spokesperson added.
The project’s global scale not only enhances Meta’s capacity to support its platforms but also reinforces its role in shaping the future of digital connectivity. As the world’s digital highways expand, Meta’s Project Waterworth may prove to be a transformative force in bridging technological divides and driving innovation across continents.
