Data Centers in Northern Mariana Islands

Northern Mariana Islands – Strategic Bridge for Pacific Connectivity

Critical Infrastructure for Western Pacific Resilience

The Northern Mariana Islands provide a specialized environment for organizations requiring a resilient Pacific presence near major Asian markets. This territory serves as a critical point for local government services and regional telecommunications, ensuring high uptime for mission-critical operations in the Western Pacific.

Northern Mariana Islands: At A Glance

Network & Connectivity Ecosystem

Carrier Density & Carrier Neutrality: Carrier count: over 5. As of September 2025, the market is primarily served by approximately 5–10 regional players including IT&E and Docomo Pacific. These providers maintain the local loops necessary to support international traffic handoffs and regional transit.

Direct Cloud On-Ramps: 0, enabling access to 0 cloud regions. As of September 2025, no direct on-ramps for AWS, Google Cloud (GCP), or Microsoft Azure are physically present. The nearest major cloud hub is Tokyo, with private extension options available via undersea cable systems or point-to-point waves.

Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): There are no major public IXPs physically located on the islands as of September 2025. Most local peering occurs through private interconnects or via the larger regional hub in Guam.

Bare Metal: General availability for automated bare metal is limited to custom deployments through regional providers. For standardized automated platforms, organizations typically look to larger regional hubs or utilize providers like Hivelocity for nearby requirements.

Power Analysis

Average Cost Of Power: $0.38/kWh, as of September 2025. The energy mix consists of nearly 100% fossil fuels, which leads to higher operational costs compared to mainland territories. This price point requires efficient cooling and power management strategies for any local infrastructure.

Power Grid Reliability: The grid in major hubs like Susupe and Saipan is well-engineered to withstand regional weather events. Facilities typically use redundant onsite backup generation and sturdy physical hardening to maintain continuous operations during storm seasons.

Market Access, Business & Tax Climate

Proximity To Key Business Districts: Data centers are centrally located in Susupe and Saipan, placing them near the administrative and commercial heart of the islands. This proximity is essential for supporting local government services and the tourism-driven economy.

Regional Market Reach: The Northern Mariana Islands provide a strategic jumping-off point for the broader Micronesian region. They act as a secondary site for operations based in Guam, providing geographic diversity for Pacific-wide network architectures.

Tax Advantage For Data Centers: The absence of a traditional Value Added Tax system simplifies financial reporting and billing for digital service providers. While no direct infrastructure incentives exist, the local tax structure remains predictable for regional operators.

Natural Disaster Risk

Natural Disaster Risk: High (82.0)

The Northern Mariana Islands face significant environmental challenges due to their location in the Pacific typhoon belt. As of September 2025, these natural hazards are the primary considerations for infrastructure design:

• Typhoon: High risk. The islands are frequently in the path of intense tropical cyclones.
• Coastal Flood: High risk. Low-lying coastal areas are vulnerable to storm surges during major weather events.
• Earthquake: Moderate risk. The region is seismically active, requiring specific structural reinforcements.
• Strong Wind: High risk. Sustained high-velocity winds are common during the storm season.
• Inland Flood: Moderate risk. Heavy rainfall associated with typhoons can cause rapid localized flooding.

Other hazards such as wildfires or extreme heat are considered minor or are not materially listed for this location as of September 2025.