Meta Expands Control Over India’s Internet Infrastructure in Bid to Bypass Telecoms

With massive investments in undersea cables and data systems, Meta leads Big Tech’s move toward digital independence in India.

Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is quietly building a stronger grip on India’s digital infrastructure. As more people across the country come online, Meta is investing heavily in the backbone of the internet — and doing it without depending too much on traditional telecom companies like Jio and Airtel.

Investing in the Digital Pipes

One of Meta’s biggest projects is called Project Waterworth. It’s a huge undersea cable system, stretching over 50,000 kilometers, and is expected to become the longest in the world once completed. This system will connect India with the U.S., Brazil, South Africa, and several other key markets. The goal? Better and faster internet for everyone — and a stronger foundation for future tech, including AI and cloud services.

But that’s not all. Meta is also working with Bharti Airtel on another major undersea project known as 2Africa Pearls. This network aims to improve connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. By expanding these global cable links, Meta hopes to boost its services — like video calls, streaming, and social media — for millions of users in India and beyond.

Why Bypass the Telcos?

So, why is Meta doing all this itself? Traditionally, big tech companies relied on telecom networks to move their data around. But now, many are choosing to build their own infrastructure. This gives them more control, lowers long-term costs, and helps avoid potential service disruptions caused by third-party providers.

Meta isn’t the only one heading down this path. Google, too, is investing in its own undersea cables, like the Blue-Raman project. Together, these moves show a clear trend: tech giants want to run their own data highways rather than depend on others to carry their traffic.

What This Means for India

For India, this could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, better infrastructure means faster, more reliable internet. That’s great news for users, businesses, and anyone relying on digital tools. On the other hand, there’s concern about too much power being concentrated in the hands of a few global companies. As Meta and others expand their control, questions about data privacy, fair competition, and digital sovereignty will become more important.

Looking Ahead

Meta’s growing investment in India’s internet infrastructure reflects a broader shift in how the digital world is being built. As companies like Meta and Google take on roles traditionally held by telecom providers, the future of internet access is likely to look very different — faster, perhaps more efficient, but also more centralized.