Intercontinental Network
Why has America's interest in Greenland increased from a defense perspective?
America's long-standing defense interest in Greenland has been reinforced due to several strategic concerns. Primary among these is the critical Giuk Gap, which has become increasingly important in the modern digital world. Two critically important underwater high-speed internet cables pass by Greenland - one providing the quickest connection between Japan and Europe, and another (the Leif Erikson cable) connecting Canada and Scandinavia. These cables are vital for global connectivity and vulnerable to potential sabotage by Russian submarines, which could briefly paralyze US military forces in Europe during a conflict. Additionally, Greenland's extensive, largely uninhabited 27,000-mile coastline presents significant monitoring challenges.
Watch clip answer (02:05m)What is the purpose of Meta's Project Waterworth?
Project Waterworth aims to enable greater economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion, and open opportunities for technological development across connected regions. Meta will deploy advanced routing techniques and innovative cable burial strategies to protect this essential global internet infrastructure from damage in high-risk areas like shallow coastal waters. The investment comes amid increasing demand from telecom operators who need expanded network infrastructure to alleviate data congestion. This undersea cable network will enable local telecom providers to deliver internet services to customers while connecting different countries, enhancing global connectivity through the 50,000-kilometer cable system.
Watch clip answer (00:46m)What is Project Waterworth and what is its purpose?
Project Waterworth is Meta's ambitious 50,000-kilometer subsea cable project that will connect five continents, becoming the world's longest underwater cable network. The multi-billion dollar initiative will link the United States, India, Brazil, South Africa, and other key regions, reaching depths of up to 7,000 meters. Meta's stated aim is to enable greater economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion, and create opportunities for technological development in connected regions. The project employs advanced routing and innovative cable burial strategies to protect against damage in high-risk areas like shallow coastal waters, while expanding network infrastructure and alleviating data congestion for telecom operators worldwide.
Watch clip answer (01:25m)What will Project Waterworth achieve when completed?
When completed, Project Waterworth will become the world's longest underwater cable project, spanning an impressive 50,000 kilometers across five continents including the United States, India, Brazil, and South Africa. This ambitious subsea cable will exceed Earth's circumference and reach depths of up to 7,000 meters underwater. This multi-billion-dollar investment by Meta aims to revolutionize global internet connectivity, strengthen economic cooperation between regions, enhance digital inclusion in underserved areas, and address growing demands for improved network infrastructure while reducing data congestion.
Watch clip answer (00:05m)What is the purpose and importance of undersea cable networks for internet connectivity?
Undersea cable networks are essential infrastructure for global Internet connectivity, enabling local telecom operators to provide internet services to customers and connect different countries. These cables facilitate cross-border communication while helping telecom companies expand their network infrastructure and alleviate data congestion. Meta's investment in such cables comes at a critical time of increasing demand from telecom operators seeking to enhance their service capabilities and address growing bandwidth requirements.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)What is Meta's Project Water Worth and what are its key objectives?
Project Water Worth is Meta's multi-billion dollar subsea cable initiative connecting the United States, India, Brazil, South Africa and other key regions through what will become the world's longest undersea cable network - spanning farther than Earth's circumference and reaching depths of 7,000 meters. According to Meta, this ambitious infrastructure project aims to enable greater economic cooperation between continents, promote digital inclusion in connected regions, and create opportunities for technological growth. The investment will significantly enhance global internet connectivity, allowing local telecom operators to expand their services across five continents.
Watch clip answer (00:34m)