Brian Quigley, Google’s Vice President of Global Network Infrastructure and Chairman of the Pacific Connect Initiative, is visiting Fiji. He will be a key speaker at the upcoming Prime Minister’s International Business Awards (PMIBA), scheduled for tomorrow evening. This has been confirmed by Investment Fiji, the organizer of the prestigious event.
Quigley is set to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, emphasizing its potential as a revolutionary force for future advancements. Google’s involvement in the Pacific region includes a significant $1 billion initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity between the US mainland and Japan. This initiative, part of the broader Pacific Connect strategy, will involve the installation of new undersea telecommunications cables, including the Honomoana and Tabua cables, which will enhance connectivity between Fiji, Australia, and the US.
Earlier in June, Google and the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) signed a partnership agreement during the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Inaugural Investor Forum in Singapore, aiming to further develop the Pacific Connect initiative in Fiji with several collaborative projects:
1. **Pacific Connectivity**: Google seeks to improve internet access in the region by investing in submarine cables to enhance the reliability and reach of internet services.
2. **Green ICT Capabilities in Fiji**: The collaboration includes plans for establishing a green ICT park in Fiji. This facility will support the FinTel Pacific Connect Internet Exchange and improve connectivity with various countries, including Japan and Australia.
3. **Fostering a Data-Driven Ecosystem**: Both Google and FNPF recognize the importance of data in driving economic growth and are committed to enhancing access to data center capabilities for Fijians and other citizens in the Pacific Islands.
This collaboration signals a promising future for technological advancement and infrastructure development in Fiji and the greater Pacific region. By facilitating improved connectivity and fostering innovation, initiatives like these have the potential to transform economies and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Looking ahead, this partnership could serve as a model for other nations aiming to bridge the digital divide and expand their technological capabilities.
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