Microsoft and Facebook will use the cable for their own needs.
Most trans-ocean telecom cables to the US are located in New York or New Jersey. But Marea - the name of this cable, meaning 'wave' in Spanish, is connected to Virginia, making the connection between the US and Europe more diverse. Super Hurricane Sandy landed in New York and New Jersey in 2012, causing North America and Europe to die in a few days.
"Super typhoons make us realize that big events can affect the transatlantic connection," Microsoft said. 'In an effort to invent and expand the global network, Microsoft has been looking for a solution to connect across the Atlantic more firmly.'
Microsoft did not disclose the amount of its investment and its partners.