Hopes of investments, opportunities in NMI tied to Google cables

Google’s plan to lay a fiber optic cables that connect the Northern Mariana Islands to Japan and Guam, and extend a Taiwan-Philippines-U.S. cable to NMI will create a redundancy in communications and new opportunities, officials said.

The two subsea cables, which have been named Proa and TPU, will together establish a new route between the continental U.S. and Shima, Japan. They will be the “first international subsea cables,” the Office of the Governor wrote in a press release.

On April 14, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios joined Guam Lt. Gov. Joshua F. Tenorio, Yan Tang, Google Network Infrastructure Regional Network Lead, onboard SubCom’s CS Dependable vessel that is involved in the laying of subsea fiber cables through the Marianas. Contributed photo.

The announcement with NMI leadership, follows a Jan. 18 press conference with Google executives and Guam’s Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero. They announced announced the Central Pacific Connect initiative, which introduces two new intra-Pacific cables from Guam to Fiji and French Polynesia, during a press conference Jan. 18. The initiative represents an investment of roughly $400 million to $700 million into the region. (See https://mbjguam.com/google-unveils-plan-connect-guam-fiji-and-french-polynesia)

Currently, the NMI heavily relies on Guam as its sole gateway to the internet.

“Securing a direct subsea cable connection to Japan, and later, to other parts of the Pacific Rim, is critical as it provides a vital link in the global communication network,” said Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.

Palacios and Guam’s Lt. Gov. Joshua F. Tenorio on April 14 were joined by Rear Admiral Gregory Huffman, Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan, Senator Jude Hofschneider, Citadel CEO L. James Beighley Beighley, Special Assistant for Broadband Policy Development Glen Hunter and other leaders on board SubCom’s CS Dependable vessel that is involved in the laying of subsea fiber cables through the Marianas.

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According to the NMI Broadband Policy and Development (BPD) office, the current dependency of having cables pass through Guam only poses major risks.

“Any disruptions or incidents on Guam, be it natural, technical, or geopolitical, could sever the NMI's essential lifeline, leaving the islands and its inhabitants disconnected from the rest of the world,” Hunter said. “The NMI cannot afford to be solely dependent on a single point, especially in times of natural disasters or other emergencies.”

The subsea cables connecting to NMI are expected to bring economic and productivity gains to the places where they land, according to Google. For example, in Japan, studies estimate Google network infrastructure investments drove an additional $400+ million in GDP in the previous decade. With increased access to digital services, more people can take advantage of skill development and career opportunities, while businesses and public sector organizations can better serve their customers and constituents.

“Google’s cable landing in the NMI will help unlock a range of long-term economic and communication benefits,” Palacios said. “NMI businesses and households can also access even more reliable and high-speed internet, enabling multiple options for seamless data exchange and participation in the global digital marketplace. This improved connectivity can attract new industries and investment, creating local jobs and helping to jumpstart the overall economy.” mbj