Adapted by:
Alejandro Alcolea
Writer
Karen Alfaro
WriterTwo key trends in geopolitics today are rare earth elements and submarine cables. Rare earths are vital for modern technologies, and China dominates their supply. Submarine cables, on the other hand, are the backbone of global connectivity, a point highlighted by recent geopolitical tensions, like the Ukrainian war.
Submarine cables embody globalization, connecting virtually every country and enabling communications, internet access, and streaming services. With the rise of AI systems and streaming, companies like Meta and Google are investing heavily in expanding this infrastructure.
Meta, already working on a 4,400-mile submarine cable, has just announced plans for an even bigger one—an enormous 31,000-mile cable that will encircle the globe.
Waterworth Project: The Future of Submarine Cables
The Earth’s circumference is approximately 24,900 miles, which helps us grasp the scale of this project. In a press release, Meta described it as its most ambitious cable to date, surpassing all previous efforts in scale and scope.
Meta’s upcoming cable, named Waterworth, will connect the U.S. coasts with Brazil, South Africa, India, and Australia, covering more than 31,000 miles. Though Meta didn’t disclose exact investment figures, this is a multi-million-dollar project, which will be completed in phases over several years. For comparison, Google’s cable linking Japan to the U.S. West Coast is expected to cost around $1 billion.
Meta aims to solidify its position in the digital infrastructure sector to power its AI systems. Already deeply invested in this space, the company is expanding its presence further. Submarine cables typically contain 8 or 16 fiber pairs, though some advanced models have 24. Waterworth will be part of this elite class—becoming the longest 24-pair submarine cable ever built.
Meta is working carefully to secure the cable’s path, with some sections expected to be nearly 23,000 feet deep in areas with high seismic risk.
Critical Infrastructure: Lessons from the War in Ukraine
The company is also focusing on advanced burial techniques for the cable, especially in shallow areas near shore where ships pose a threat. Additionally, Meta is taking steps to safeguard the cable from potential geopolitical risks and “other hazards.”
What other threats exist? Submarine cables were thrust into the spotlight recently when cuts to these cables during the Ukrainian war caused widespread instability. Although many initially suspected Russia or China of sabotage, investigators later revealed that dragged anchors had caused the damage.
Nonetheless, the perception that these cuts could have been deliberate acts during a conflict underscores the growing need to protect submarine cables. As Meta states, these cables are vital today, but their significance will only grow in the AI-driven future we’re entering.
Image | Xataka On with Grok
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