Meta and Google have encountered delays in the implementation of significant undersea cable projects. According to Bloomberg, these challenges stem from a mix of operational difficulties, regulatory requirements, and geopolitical risks.
The 2Africa project by Meta aims to connect Africa with Europe and Asia, but issues have arisen in laying the cable through the southern part of the Red Sea. Regional conflicts and permitting challenges have left one of the critical segments unbuilt.
The Blue-Raman system, supported by Google, is also facing delays. Launched in 2021, it was expected to go live in 2024, providing connectivity between France, Italy, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and India. The company has not announced new timelines for its launch.
Other cable projects in the Red Sea are similarly delayed. Construction has repeatedly stalled due to missile attacks attributed to Houthi militants, as well as the need to reroute paths. According to Telegeography, operators are forced to purchase traffic on alternative networks as they cannot utilize their own investments.
Nonetheless, Meta and Google emphasize that these issues will not affect other announced undersea systems. Google continues construction of a cable between Togo and Europe across the Atlantic, while Meta is working on a global cable route that connects five continents without passing through the Red Sea.