Google signs agreement with Chile to build undersea fiber optic cable

On June 5, 2025, Google announced its agreement with the Chilean government to construct an undersea fiber optic cable named the Humboldt Cable. This project will link South America to Asia and Oceania, marking a significant step in enhancing Chile's digital infrastructure. The cable, which spans approximately 14,800 kilometers (almost 9,200 miles), will connect Chile’s Valparaíso with Sydney, Australia, and French Polynesia, making it the first submarine cable in the South Pacific. The initiative aims to reinforce Chile's position as a major digital hub in the region, while fostering closer economic ties with Asian nations, particularly China, as it is Chile’s leading trading partner. The Humboldt Cable project has its roots back to 2016 when it was first proposed. However, it was only after thorough feasibility studies that concrete steps were taken to initiate the project. With an estimated cost ranging from $300 million to $550 million, Google has not disclosed its total investment but emphasizes the cable's potential for broader use by various technology firms in Chile. Chile is expected to invest $25 million into the project, further solidifying its commitment to enhancing connectivity and attracting technological investments. Officials from both Google and the Chilean government view this cable as essential infrastructure with the capacity to draw investments from major sectors such as technology, mining, and banking. Cristian Ramos, director of telecommunications infrastructure for Latin America at Alphabet, Google’s parent company, noted that other users, besides Google, could also benefit from accessing the cable. The increased reliance on cloud computing services has led to a surging demand for undersea cables globally, making this initiative important in addressing such needs. Additionally, the deployment of the Humboldt Cable could have geopolitical ramifications, as Chile finds itself caught in the ongoing rivalry between China and the United States. Undersea cables are often central points of contention in international relations, and this project may heighten tensions within this broader context. Future steps for the development of the Humboldt Cable will include selecting a telecommunications operator, installing the submarine cable, and constructing necessary landing stations in Chile, with the aim of completing the deployment by 2027.