Google's CNMI cable set to launch in the first quarter of 2026

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Saipan – The first cable landing of the CNMI segment of Google’s undersea cable network, dubbed “Pacific Connect Initiative", is set for the first quarter of 2026, CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios announced Thursday following his meeting with representatives from tech companies involved in the project.

“This partnership marks a major step forward for our islands. Reliable and resilient connectivity is essential for economic growth, public services, and our quality of life,” Palacios said.

During a meeting at the governor’s office on May 14, representatives from Google, SubCom and NEC briefed CNMI leaders on the status of the submarine cables, named the "Proa Cable," which will connect Japan, the CNMI and Guam.

“The visiting team is in the CNMI to conduct site assessments and meet with local stakeholders as they prepare for the installation of a new submarine cable system," states a press release from the governor’s office. "Their visit provided an opportunity to review progress and reaffirm a shared commitment to strengthening the CNMI’s digital infrastructure."

Along with Fiji and French Polynesia, the CNMI and Guam will serve as key nodes on the Pacific Connect Initiative network, which aims to enhance digital connectivity across the Pacific region through advanced submarine cable technology. 

The Proa cable project, announced last year, is a component of Google’s $1 billion investment in undersea cables around Japan, which includes the expansion of the Pacific Connect initiative.

The NEC's Taiwan-Philippines-U.S. or TPU cable network will be extended to the CNMI. As the CNMI’s first international subsea cables, Proa and TPU will set up a new route between the continental U.S. and Shima, Japan.

Taihei (the Japanese word for both peace and Pacific Ocean) is another NEC cable that will connect Japan to Hawaii. Tabua will also be extended to Hawaii. Once complete, the Taihei and Tabua systems will create a ‘diverse path’ between the continental US to Takahagi, Japan.