Meta Plans to Build an Underwater Cable Around the Planet

The Waterwort Project involves the construction and deployment of a massive 50,000-kilometer-long underwater cable that will span the entire globe, connecting five continents.

Tech giant Meta—which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—aims to expand its reach beyond social media into artificial intelligence and the critical infrastructure required to support it.

The new underwater cable project will enhance connectivity between five major continents and support Meta’s future AI-driven initiatives.

“The project will enable greater economic cooperation, ensure digital inclusion, and open opportunities for technological development in these regions,” Meta stated.

Once completed, this cable will be the longest ever built, consisting of a 24-pair fiber structure, which significantly increases its data transmission capacity.

Why Are Underwater Cables So Important?

Over the past few decades, underwater cables have become crucial for the global digital ecosystem, allowing seamless operation of countless digital services and rapid data transfers across continents.

To put things into perspective—more than 95% of the world's internet traffic relies on submarine cables.

According to telecommunications firm Telegeography, there are currently around 600 operational underwater cables worldwide.

Meta’s new project will set a new milestone in global connectivity, reinforcing the digital backbone of the modern world.