Meta’s ‘Project Waterworth’ to connect India with world’s longest undersea cable

Social media giant Meta has announced the launch of Project Waterworth, the world’s longest undersea cable, which will span over 50,000 kilometers, surpassing the Earth's circumference. India, one of Meta’s largest markets, will be a key beneficiary of this initiative.

This undersea cable network will connect five major continents, significantly enhancing global digital infrastructure. The project was highlighted in the US-India Joint Leaders' Statement on February 13, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States.

"Meta is investing in India by bringing the world’s longest, highest capacity, and most advanced subsea cable to connect India, the US, and other key locations," said a Meta spokesperson on Saturday. The company expects Project Waterworth to be operational by the end of the decade.

Undersea cables are crucial for global internet connectivity, linking different countries while telecom operators use them to provide high-speed internet access to customers. The investment is particularly significant as telecom companies have long urged tech giants like Meta to contribute to infrastructure development to handle rising data traffic loads.

According to the US-India joint statement, India plans to invest in the maintenance, repair, and financing of undersea cables in the Indian Ocean, ensuring digital connectivity through trusted vendors.

Meta stated that Project Waterworth will employ first-of-its-kind routing technology, allowing deep-sea cable placement up to 7,000 meters below the surface. It will also incorporate enhanced burial techniques near coastlines to protect cables from ship anchors and other hazards. The company emphasized that this multi-billion-dollar investment will boost digital inclusion, economic growth, and technological advancements across multiple regions, including India.