Meta (META, Financial) is taking control of the internet—literally. The company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp just announced plans to build a massive 40,000-kilometer subsea cable that will circle the globe. This isn't your average infrastructure project; it's a $10 billion bet to future-proof Meta's platforms, which already account for a staggering 10% of global fixed and 22% of mobile internet traffic. The cable's "W"-shaped route will link the U.S., South Africa, India, and Australia, avoiding geopolitical hotspots while securing a dedicated pipe for Meta's data. With the internet's demand skyrocketing and AI driving even more traffic, Meta's strategy to own the pipes—start to finish—is nothing short of visionary.
And here's where things get really interesting: India. With the largest number of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users in the world, India is more than just a key market—it's becoming the epicenter of Meta's next big move. The company could use the subsea cable to power up its AI ambitions, leveraging India's cheap computing costs to train advanced AI models. Talk about a two-for-one deal: global connectivity and a potential AI superhub. It's a smart play for a company that makes more money outside the U.S. than in it. Sources say India's exploding data center market, coupled with demand for AI-driven services, makes it the perfect landing point.
This isn't just a tech story; it's a power shift. For decades, subsea cables were the domain of telecom giants working in groups. Now, big tech is rewriting the rules. Meta's move mirrors Google's (GOOG, Financial) strategy—own the infrastructure, control the flow. And the stakes couldn't be higher. With cables increasingly targeted in global conflicts and regulators eyeing tighter control, Meta's exclusive ownership ensures security, efficiency, and independence. Sure, it'll take years to build, but when it's done, Meta won't just connect the world—it'll control how the world connects. Investors, take note: this is infrastructure dominance at its finest.
