In 2025, as we witness the world leaning heavily towards wireless communication, the necessity for enduring physical infrastructure is underscored. Notably, long underwater cables are responsible for transporting up to 98% of internet traffic. In light of this, Meta has announced plans for a significant new cable project expected to exceed the Earth’s circumference, with depths reaching four miles below the ocean’s surface.

The cable, codenamed Project Waterworth, will connect the United States, India, South Africa, Brazil, and additional locations. It will extend approximately 31,000 miles (50,000 kilometers), surpassing the Earth’s circumference of approximately 25,000 miles.

Meta has described this new initiative as, “a multi-billion dollar, multi-year investment aimed at enhancing the scale and dependability of global digital pathways, facilitating the connectivity essential for advancing AI innovations.”

The technical design of this cable is set to be innovative, with specifications enabling it to be laid up to seven kilometers deep in the ocean. Meta aims to maximize the cable’s resilience while ensuring extensive coverage in deep waters and utilizing advanced burial methods to protect against external damage such as from ship anchors.

This project serves as a reminder that beyond the controversies surrounding social media, Meta is spearheading tangible initiatives that bolster the technology we rely on today.