Meta, the technology giant, is reportedly planning to build a massive subsea cable network that will span the globe, avoiding areas of geopolitical tension. The project, estimated to cost around $10 billion, will create a 40,000+ kilometer fiber-optic cable network that will give Meta full control over its traffic, allowing it to prioritize its own products and services.

The news, first reported by subsea cable expert Sunil Tagare in October, suggests that Meta is taking a page from Google's playbook, which privately owns several cable routes and has invested in many others. By building its own cable network, Meta will be able to ensure faster and more reliable connectivity for its users, while also reducing its dependence on third-party networks.

The planned route for the cable, dubbed "W" for its shape, will connect the US east coast to the west coast via connection points in India, South Africa, and Australia. This route is designed to avoid regions that have seen a recent spate of cable cuts, which rely on a secretive global network of ships to repair. The goal is to minimize the risk of sabotage and ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

Meta is already a part-owner of 16 existing subsea cable networks, but this new project will be entirely owned by the company. This move is seen as a strategic one, as it will give Meta greater control over its infrastructure and allow it to better compete with other tech giants. The project is expected to take between 5-10 years to complete, with more details, including the capacity and intended route, expected to be revealed in early 2025.

The implications of this project are far-reaching, with potential benefits for users, businesses, and governments alike. Faster and more reliable connectivity can drive economic growth, improve communication, and enhance global cooperation. However, it also raises concerns about the concentration of power and control in the hands of a few tech giants, and the potential risks to national security and data privacy.

As the project moves forward, it will be interesting to see how Meta balances its own interests with the needs of its users and the broader global community. One thing is certain, however - the "mother of all submarine cables" has the potential to be a game-changer in the world of technology and beyond.