Google has revealed its intention to invest USD 1 billion in digital connectivity to Japan, aiming to enhance digital infrastructure across the Pacific region. The initiative encompasses the expansion of the Pacific Connect project and the implementation of two new subsea cables, namely Proa and Taihei.
In collaboration with partners such as KDDI, ARTERIA, Citadel Pacific, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), the project aims to establish new fiber-optic routes between the continental US and Japan. Google highlighted that these efforts, part of its Japan Digitization initiative, are not only intended to improve connectivity but also to enhance reliability and resilience in digital networks, as outlined in a blog post on 11 April 2024.
The Proa subsea cable, named after traditional sailing canoes of the Marianas, is being developed by NEC and will connect Japan, CNMI, and Guam. Google announced that to further enhance reliability in the region, the NEC cable system Taiwan-Philippines-US (known as TPU) will be extended to the CNMI. Serving as the CNMI’s first international subsea cables, Proa and TPU together will establish a new route between the continental US and Shima, Japan.
Regarding the Taihei subsea cable, named after the Japanese word for both peace and the Pacific Ocean, it will link Japan to Hawaii. Furthermore, Google stated that the Tabua cable will be extended to Hawaii, building upon last year’s plans to extend the cable from the continental US to Fiji and Australia. Once completed, the Taihei and Tabua systems will create a diverse path between the continental US and Takahagi, Japan.
Additionally, an interlink cable connecting Hawaii, CNMI, and Guam will enhance connectivity and reduce latency for users in the Pacific Islands. Google has confirmed that it will fund this cable.
