Meta and Google Delay Undersea Cable Initiatives Due to Security Concerns
Meta and Google are experiencing significant setbacks in their undersea cable projects aimed at enhancing global connectivity. According to a recent Bloomberg report, delays have been attributed to a variety of operational challenges, stringent regulatory environments, and ongoing geopolitical risks.
Meta’s ambitious 2Africa subsea cable system, designed to encircle the African continent and link Europe with Asia and Africa, has faced obstacles since its initial announcement in 2020. A critical section of the 28,000-mile project remains unfinished due to complications in running cables through the southern Red Sea, exacerbated by regional conflicts and difficulties in securing necessary permits from local authorities.
Similarly, the Google-supported Blue-Raman intercontinental cable system, which was launched in 2021 with an expected operational date of 2024, has also been delayed. This cable is intended to connect several countries, including France, Italy, India, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Oman; however, a revised timeline has yet to be provided.
Both projects underscore broader challenges for undersea cable infrastructure in the region. Builders have faced multiple missile threats, reportedly from Iran-backed Houthis, forcing detours and impacting operations. Alan Mauldin, research director at Telegeography, remarked, “They are not only unable to monetize their investments by sending data over these cables, but they are also compelled to procure capacity on alternative cables to fulfill immediate needs.”
Notably, the delays do not affect other previously announced projects by Google and Meta: Google is progressing with a cable connecting Togo to Europe via the Atlantic, while Meta is developing an extensive cable network set to link five continents without traversing the Red Sea.
While undersea cables offer a promising avenue for global fiber internet access, they come with inherent risks including geopolitical tensions and potential damage from natural disasters or human activities such as fishing.
