In partnership with Google’s Pacific Connect Initiative (PCI), CNMI will develop a core connectivity hub on Tinian Island by landing up to four subsea fiber optic cables. This investment will significantly improve global internet connectivity, positioning CNMI as a strategic digital node connecting the U.S. to Asia and Oceania. The project includes construction of key capital assets—such as a Cable Landing Station, conduits, and supporting infrastructure—and will be implemented over three years.
This initiative addresses CNMI’s limited and costly internet access, improves service affordability and reliability, and creates a platform for future growth in telehealth, education, and economic development. CPF funds will cover infrastructure needed to divert PCI cable landings from Guam to CNMI, accelerating the region’s move toward digital independence.
To improve secure digital access, CNMI is deploying privacy pods across three public institutions: Northern Marianas College (NMC), NMTECH, and the CNMI Public Library. Each pod supports 1–4 users and enables private access to telehealth, online learning, and job applications. The pods address challenges faced by individuals living in shared housing without private internet access.
The project includes procurement, installation, and maintenance, with BPD retaining ownership and oversight. The initiative was shaped through community input and digital equity planning and is expected to serve up to 6,000 individuals annually.
The CNMI CPF strategy represents a transformative investment in the Commonwealth’s digital future. By integrating infrastructure, secure access points, and targeted device distribution with training, these projects address both the physical and social dimensions of the digital divide. This holistic approach will enable long-term economic growth, digital resilience, and improved quality of life for all CNMI residents.