Case study analysis reveals shifting submarine cable routes across the Indian Ocean driven by hyperscalers, indicating growing regional dependence on major technology firms.
The Indian Ocean is undergoing a substantial rewiring as submarine cable networks begin to be laid in the far corners of this vast seascape – deviating from traditional sea(bed) lines of communication. This ocean is a vital waypoint for digital connectivity, connecting not just littoral states, but also linking Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. We identify a new set of considerations driving the development of modern seabed digital conduits, including route saturation, choke point friction, regulatory burden and the new digital needs of large American content providers/hyperscalers. To highlight these dynamics, three case studies are posited, including the Oman Australia Cable, Google’s new Indian Ocean connectivity projects, and Meta’s Project Waterworth. These new dynamics and networks introduce several new considerations for policymakers in the Indian Ocean – specifically the importance of business-friendly policies to attract new investment, but conversely a growing dependence on large American tech firms for digital connectivity.
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Bashfield et al. (2026) studied this question.
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