One cable to rule them all

Communications Day recently drew attention to Google's plans to set a broadband cable infrastructure under the Pacific Ocean.

The Unity project is slated for completion in '09 and is a collaborative effort between Google and several unnamed telecoms.

Unity was first revealed at a Singapore conference in September, when Level 3's Mike Saunders cited it as one of several new cables intended to span the Pacific. While a route hasn't yet been identified, it is speculated that the cable will run two routes for network security.

Unity's multi-terabit cable ownership will give it major cost leverage amongst other competitors transmitting data across the Pacific.

The move may put Google in direct competition with Verizon, which is currently involved in a partnership with Asian carriers to build a cable between the US and China.

Naturally, Verizon also expressed unhappiness with Google's aggressive bid for wireless spectrum.

Barry Schnitt of Google did not confirm or deny Google's participation in Unity, though he did note that "[additional] infrastructure for the internet is good for users and there are a number of proposals to add a Pacific submarine cable." Google actively sought a submarine cable negotiator in job ads earlier this year.

Communications Day reports the Unity cable has already enjoyed several months of development.