(Office of the Governor) — The Office of the Governor is pleased to announce a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between the CNMI, Google, and Citadel Pacific.
During a recent video conference, Brian Quigley, vice president-global network infrastructure at Google, provided Gov. Arnold Palacios with a comprehensive status update on the transformative Pacific Connect Initiative Project, which promises to revolutionize digital connectivity in the Marianas.
The PCI Project, established through a memorandum of understanding signed in January, will bring four new trans-Pacific submarine cables to CNMI and develop a state-of-the-art hyperscale information and communication technology facility on Tinian. This ambitious undertaking marks the single largest digital infrastructure investment in the Commonwealth’s history.
Quigley assured Governor Palacios that Google remains fully committed to the project. He reported that all permitting, architectural, and engineering processes are progressing as planned, with groundbreaking scheduled for the end of this year. “We are on track,” Quigley stated, reaffirming that “Google’s commitment to the Project and to the CNMI is unwavering. This project will happen.”
Governor Palacios expressed his gratitude for Google’s partnership and highlighted the profound impact this project will have on the Commonwealth. “The PCI Project is more than just cables and data centers — it’s about unlocking new opportunities for every resident of the CNMI,” said Governor Palacios. “This investment will propel our islands from being among the least digitally connected in the Pacific to becoming a major digital hub for the region.”
Transformative impact for CNMI
The PCI Project is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits for the people of CNMI:
• Economic growth: By establishing CNMI as a digital gateway in the Pacific, the project will attract new industries, spark local entrepreneurship, and create high-quality jobs across technology, construction, and service sectors.
• Education and healthcare: Improved connectivity will unlock access to global educational resources, telemedicine, and distance learning — expanding opportunities for students and enhancing healthcare delivery for all residents.
• Disaster resilience: Enhanced telecommunications infrastructure will improve emergency response capabilities and ensure continuity of services during natural disasters.
• Global competitiveness: With world-class digital infrastructure, CNMI will become an attractive destination for international investors and technology companies seeking secure, reliable Pacific connections.
Governor Palacios previously highlighted the project in his State of the Commonwealth Address earlier this year, calling it a generational opportunity for modernizing and diversifying the CNMI economy.
A shared vision for a connected future
The collaboration between the CNMI government, Google, and Citadel Pacific demonstrates what is possible when public and private sectors work together toward a shared vision of progress. The Governor’s Office will continue to provide regular updates as this historic project advances.
“We look forward to seeing Tinian emerge as a digital hub not only for our islands but for the entire Pacific region,” said Governor Palacios. “Together with our partners at Google and Citadel Pacific, we are building a brighter, more connected future for all.”
For more information about the PCI Project or partnership opportunities, please contact the Office of the Governor at http://governor.cnmi.gov/contact
Gov. Arnold Palacios and Glen Hunter, special assistant to the governor, meet via video call with Brian Quigley, vice president of global network infrastructure at Google, for an update on the PCI project.
Gov. Arnold Palacios and Glen Hunter, special assistant to the governor, meet via video call with Brian Quigley, vice president of global network infrastructure at Google, for an update on the PCI project.
