PROJECT WATERWORTH – SUBSEA INTERNET CABLE INITIATIVE

GS3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: 

Context: Meta has launched Project Waterworth, a groundbreaking subsea internet cable initiative that will span 50,000 km, making it the world’s longest subsea cable system.

About Project Waterworth:

• Objective: To enhance global internet infrastructure, improving connectivity across regions like the United States, India, Brazil, and South Africa.
• Alignment with Meta’s Goals: This initiative supports Meta’s broader strategy to strengthen global digital infrastructure, complementing earlier projects such as 2Africa and Apricot.

Significance:

• Improved Digital Access & Economic Growth: The project will boost digital accessibility, accelerate economic growth, and increase data transfer speeds across continents.
• Meeting Rising Demand for High-Speed Internet: With the expansion of its subsea cable network, Meta aims to address the increasing global demand for high-speed internet and advanced technologies.

What are Undersea Cables?

• Undersea or submarine communications cables are fiber-optic cables laid on the ocean floor, used to transmit data between continents. As of January 2025, over 600 active or planned cables exist globally.

What are Fiber Optics?

• Fiber optics involves transmitting data as light pulses through glass or plastic fibers. The data is sent as photons, which reflect off the fiber core and cladding in a zigzag pattern, a process known as total internal reflection.

India’s Role in Undersea Cables:

• India’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean has made it a key player in submarine cable expansion. As of 2023, India hosts 17 international undersea cables landing in cities like Mumbai and Chennai.

Key Benefits of Undersea Cables:

• Global Communication Backbone: Carrying around 99% of internet traffic, these cables support essential services in commerce, finance, government, education, and healthcare.
• Support for Advanced Technologies: They enable fast, secure connections for AI, cloud computing, and data transfer, fostering economic growth and digital infrastructure.
• Cost-Effective: Despite high initial costs, subsea cables provide reliable, long-term, affordable connectivity.

Why Undersea Cables are Preferred Over Satellites:

• Lower Latency: Subsea cables have much lower latency than satellites, making them ideal for real-time data transfer.
• Higher Bandwidth: Subsea cables can handle more bandwidth, making them more suitable for applications like AI and cloud services.
• Cost-Efficiency: Subsea cables are more affordable and reliable compared to satellite internet.

Challenges to Undersea Cables:

• Physical Threats: Cables can be damaged by anchors, natural disasters, and equipment failure, leading to global connectivity disruptions.
• Sabotage and Geopolitical Tensions: Cables are vulnerable to intentional damage and geopolitical disputes over strategic routes.
• Maintenance and Cybersecurity Risks: Repairing cables is expensive and time-consuming, and cables face risks of hacking and espionage.

Protective Measures:

• International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC): ICPC promotes submarine cable protection and resilience.
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU): ITU works to enhance cable resilience through cooperation and standard-setting.