Meta and Google are encountering significant delays in executing major undersea cable projects. According to Bloomberg, these issues stem from a combination of operational challenges, regulatory requirements, and geopolitical risks.
The 2Africa project by Meta aims to encircle Africa and connect the continent with Europe and Asia. However, laying the cable through the southern part of the Red Sea has proven difficult due to regional conflicts and challenges in obtaining permits. One key segment remains unconstructed.
The Blue-Raman system, supported by Google, is also facing delays. This project, which commenced in 2021, was intended to become operational by 2024, linking France, Italy, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and India. The company has yet to announce new timelines.
Other cable projects in the Red Sea are similarly delayed. Construction has repeatedly halted due to missile attacks attributed to Houthi groups, as well as the need to reroute. According to Telegeography, operators are forced to purchase traffic on alternative networks since they cannot utilize their own investments.
Meanwhile, Meta and Google assert that these issues will not affect other already announced undersea systems. Google continues to build a cable between Togo and Europe across the Atlantic, while Meta is working on a global cable route connecting five continents that does not pass through the Red Sea.
