Google Cloud announced a USD 1 billion investment dedicated in enhancing the digital connectivity to Japan, which includes the expansion of the Pacific Connect initiative and delivers two new subsea cables, Proa and Taihei.
In collaboration with KDDI, ARTERIA, Citadel Pacific, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), these cables will create new fiber-optic routes between the continental US and Japan in support of Google’s Japan Digitization Initiative.
In Japan, studies estimated that Google network infrastructure investments drove an additional USD 400+ million in GDP in the previous decade.
Proa and Taihei Subsea Cables
The Proa subsea cable from NEC will connect Japan, the CNMI, and Guam and is named after the traditional sailing canoes of the Marianas. To further increase reliability in the region, the NEC cable system Taiwan-Philippines-US (known as TPU) will be extended to the CNMI. As the CNMI’s first international subsea cables, Proa and TPU will together establish a new route between the continental US and Shima, Japan.
“Our heartfelt thanks go out to Google for their steadfast dedication to including the CNMI in the Pacific Connect Initiative, perfectly aligning with our vision for a more connected, resilient, and technologically advanced Pacific region," said CMNI Governor Arnold Palacios.
Laying subsea cables that will greatly enhance connectivity for Guam and across Micronesia, “we embrace this partnership wholeheartedly, recognizing its potential to transform and empower our region for generations to come,” noted Guam’s Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.
On the other hand, Taihei, the Japanese word for both “peace” and “Pacific Ocean,” is another NEC cable that will connect Japan to Hawaii. Additionally, Tabua will be extended to Hawaii, building on the plans announced last year to run the cable from the continental US to Fiji and Australia. Once complete, the Taihei and Tabua systems will create a diverse path between the continental US to Takahagi, Japan.
“The Pacific Connect initiative perfectly complements our planned efforts, and will significantly enhance our future connections from Hawaii to the continental U.S. and Japan as well as ensure communities across the Pacific have equitable and reliable access to digital services,” commented Sylvia Luke, Lieutenant Governor, State of Hawaii.
Related: Enhanced Digital Connectivity in South Pacific with New Subsea Cables
