Republic of the Marshall Islands to Transform Digital Infrastructure Through Pacific Connect Initiative

MiNTA Press Release
March 23, 2026

MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands — The National Telecommunications Authority (NTA) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) proudly announces a landmark agreement to enhance the nation’s digital connectivity and resilience by joining the Pacific Connect initiative. This strategic project involves the development of a new subsea fiber-optic cable system that will interconnect the Marshall Islands directly with Google’s Halaihai cable system, creating a high-capacity gateway to global digital networks.

The “IOKWE” Cable System — In Marshallese, “Iokwe” holds different meanings; “hello — a warm greeting, love — an expression of care, and rainbow — you are beautiful as one.” It is a harmony within us creating a thread of connection woven gently across the Marshall Islands.

Supported by U.S. Government funding and a feasibility study funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the project represents a collaborative effort to advance economic resilience and digital equity across the Pacific.

The new system will provide a critical, secure link to Majuro, ensuring the Marshall Islands has the redundant and high-speed connectivity necessary for 21st-century growth. By leveraging a “trunk and island system” business model, the RMI will benefit from a cost-effective solution that allows the nation to own the Iokwe cable system while utilizing the massive capacity of the main Halaihai transpacific trunk.

“Inclusion in the Pacific Connect system marks an important step in strengthening the Marshall Islands’ digital resilience and advancing national development priorities,” said Dr. Yukiko Muller, President & CEO of the National Telecommunications Authority. “This collaboration with the United States and industry leaders like Google will unlock new opportunities in education, telehealth, and digital entrepreneurship for all our citizens”.

“I’m excited to see our close collaboration with the Republic of the Marshall Islands and NTA come to fruition,” said Brian Quigley, VP, Global Network Infrastructure, Google Cloud. “The Iokwe cable will establish a foundation for long-term economic diversification and growth, strengthening redundancy and bridging the digital divide between the Pacific and the rest of the world”.

Once completed, the Iokwe cable interconnection with the Pacific Connect initiative will significantly reduce latency and increase network reliability, providing a vital safeguard against service disruptions. This infrastructure is a strategic investment in the sovereignty and future prosperity of the Marshall Islands.

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