Signing of the agreement for the Le Vasa cable. Image credit: American Samoa Government
On January 14, 2026, Samoa Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leautea Schmidt arrived in American Samoa with his delegation as guests to the signing and ceremony of an agreement to bring American Samoa into the Pacific Connect Initiative through the new Le Vasa subsea fibre-optic cable. Members of the Fono, senators, representatives, a team of Google engineers, executive cabinet leaders, ASTCA board members, private‑sector partners, and community stakeholders also assembled to celebrate this new partnership.
The agreement was signed on January 15 by Google Vice President of Global Network Infrastructure Brian Quigley and Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula at a luncheon in the Lee Auditorium. The new submarine cable was named Le Vasa, which means “The Ocean” or “The Vast Sea,” by Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula.
Google Vice President Brian Quigley said at the signing ceremony that the Pacific Connect Initiative was born from Google’s idea and desire to connect the world.
Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, speaking at the opening of the Fono, said the total cost of the project is $45 million, with $15 million funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. He questioned how the remaining $30 million would be financed.
In response, the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) said multiple funding sources are anticipated, with the territory confirmed to receive ARPA support. ASTCA will own and operate Le Vasa, coordinating landing points, integrating it into existing infrastructure, and ensuring alignment with global technical standards.
“Connectivity is not just about speed; it is about secure and equitable access,” said ASTCA Chairman Avamua Dave Haleck.
CEO of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority, Folasaitu Sorepa Thomas, explained that the American Samoa government’s main objective in securing the new Le Vasa cable is to provide backup, as the territory currently has only the Hawaiki cable.
Similar to other US territories, American Samoa is geographically isolated and relies heavily on undersea cables for internet access. In the celebration following the signing, many speakers emphasized the importance of the new cable for the territory’s connectivity and future development.
“Together with Google, it is a historic step in securing a connected future for the people of American Samoa,” said Governor Pulaalii. “Our Administration is committed to economic advancement, and this project strengthens our strategic role in the Pacific while ensuring future generations benefit from the Le Vasa cable project.”
“I’m excited to see our close collaboration with American Samoa and ASTCA come to fruition with the Le Vasa cable,” said Vice President of Global Network Infrastructure Brian Quigley. “Le Vasa will establish a foundation for long-term economic diversification and growth, and it will strengthen redundancy, expand economic opportunity, and bridge the digital divide between the Pacific and the United States.”
Once completed, Le Vasa is hoped to support remote education, telehealth services, digital entrepreneurship, and stronger regional connectivity.
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