In a significant move to bolster global digital infrastructure, Meta—the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—has unveiled ‘Project Waterworth,’ an ambitious 50,000-kilometer undersea cable initiative. This project aims to enhance digital connectivity between India and the United States, while also extending high-speed internet access to Brazil, South Africa, and other key regions.
Project Waterworth is poised to become the world’s longest subsea cable system, surpassing the Earth’s circumference. Utilizing cutting-edge, high-capacity technology, the cable will traverse five major continents, providing unparalleled connectivity to facilitate economic cooperation, digital inclusion, and technological innovation.
A Meta spokesperson highlighted the company’s commitment to one of its largest markets, stating, “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.”
The announcement of Project Waterworth coincides with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States. During this visit, both nations launched the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture, a bilateral forum aimed at advancing coordinated investments in economic connectivity and commerce. As part of this initiative, India plans to invest in the maintenance, repair, and financing of undersea cables in the Indian Ocean, utilizing trusted vendors.
Upon completion, Project Waterworth is expected to significantly boost data transmission speeds and reliability across the connected regions. This enhancement will support the growing demand for digital services, particularly in India, and is anticipated to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and promote digital inclusion on a global scale.
This multi-billion-dollar investment underscores Meta’s dedication to strengthening the global digital ecosystem and its confidence in the potential of emerging markets. By laying the groundwork for improved connectivity, Project Waterworth is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital communication and collaboration worldwide.