Facebook ($FB@US) and Google ($GOOGL@US) are backing two new undersea projects in Africa and Asia. The latest collaboration gives the Silicon Valley giants more control of the internet infrastructure that supports each business and meets the growing demand for broadband access and 5G wireless connectivity. Along with partners including Vodafone ($VOD@UK), Orange ($ORAN@France), MTN Group ($MTNOY@Africa), and Telecom Egypt ($TEGPY@Egypt), the companies plan a giant cable system that will connect regions including Angola, southeast Nigeria, the Seychelles and Comoros, which totals 35 connection-landings in 26 countries. Besides the value of the cable system itself, it's a bit of a regional power play with an aim to link those countries together and to America rather than China.