Google is laying the groundwork for a fiber-optic network connecting historical enemies Saudi Arabia and Israel, according to The Wall Street Journal. The project is Google’s latest globe-crossing internet construction effort linking India to Europe.
- The fiber-optic project will enable Google to roll out data centers globally and catch up with rivals Microsoft Corp. and Amazon Inc. in the on-demand cloud computing business.
- Google also aims to compete with Facebook Inc. in building more network capacity to support rising user demand for videos, search results, and other products.
- The fiber-optic project, dubbed Blue Raman, has a length of more than 5,000 miles and would cost up to $4,000
- Google is expected to seek funding from telecom company partners for the project, including Oman Telecommunications Co. and Telecom Italia SpA.
Google’s stock is currently declining. GOOGL: NASDAQ is down 1.32%
