American Samoa has taken a significant step towards enhancing its digital connectivity by signing a partnership agreement with Google to establish a new fiber-optic cable. This initiative, part of the Pacific Connect project, will connect the U.S. territory to Fiji and French Polynesia through the Le Vasa cable, an independent subsea fiber-optic system that will integrate with the Bulikula cable network.
Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula Pulaalii expressed enthusiasm regarding the agreement signed on January 15, stating that this collaboration marks a historic advancement for the territory, helping to secure a connected future for the people of American Samoa. He emphasized that the Le Vasa project represents a transformative leap in bolstering the territory’s digital infrastructure and its strategic significance within the Pacific region.
The total cost of the Le Vasa project is estimated at $45 million, with significant funding coming from a $15 million grant included in the American Rescue Plan, aimed at improving broadband access in both underserved and unserved communities. The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) will oversee the project, while officials are still in the process of securing additional funding sources.
Brian Quigley, Vice President of Global Network Infrastructure at Google Cloud, shared his excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the project’s potential to drive long-term economic growth and strengthen redundancy in connectivity. He pointed out that the cable would improve economic opportunities and help bridge the digital divide between the Pacific and the mainland United States.
The name “Le Vasa,” meaning “The Ocean” or “The Vast Sea,” holds deep cultural importance for the American Samoan community. According to a press release from the governor’s office, the cable symbolizes a modern journey that brings information and opportunities across digital seas. It embodies the territory’s identity rooted in voyaging and resilience, honoring ancestral navigation while paving the way for future digital advancements.
ASTCA board chairman Avamua Dave Haleck noted that effective connectivity goes beyond mere speed, highlighting the importance of access, especially secure internet connections. Officials anticipate that the Le Vasa cable will not only provide a reliable means for high-speed internet access but also enhance network resilience during natural disasters and emergencies, significantly benefiting the community. This ambitious project signals a hopeful era of connectivity for American Samoa, reaffirming its place in the digitally advancing Pacific landscape.
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