Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Government (ASG) formally announced that it was joining the Pacific Connect Initiative, a strategic collaboration with Google, yesterday in a formal ceremony held at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium, which included signing of the agreement with Google, and an ava ceremony.

At the heart of the initiative is Le Vasa cable, an independent next-generation subsea fiber-optic system, which will interconnect with the Bulikula cable with connections to Fiji and French Polynesia, according to the ASTCA press release.

It noted that “by leveraging existing construction operations in the region for Bulikula, American Samoa will benefit from reduced costs and accelerated installation timelines.”

Le Vasa cable was first announced by Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula during his State of the Territory Address delivered during the opening of the 3rd Regular Session of the 39th Legislature of American Samoa one Monday, January 12, 2026.

Attending the ceremony included Google officials and the Prime Minister of Samoa and his delegation.

Samoa's Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and his delegation is visiting American Samoa this week as a special guest for the launch of the Le Vasa submarine cable with the historic agreement signing with Google.

ASTCA explains that “Le Vasa, meaning “The Ocean” or “The Vast Sea,” holds deep cultural significance to the American Samoan people. Once a highway for trade and connection across the Pacific, it now symbolizes a modern voyage — carrying information, innovation, and opportunity across the digital seas.”

It continues that “Le Vasa cable is more than infrastructure; it reflects our identity. We are rooted in voyaging, resilience, and are deeply connected to our waters.

“Our ancestors once navigated Le Vasa guided by stars and instinct. Today, we navigate the digital ocean guided by vision and purpose. This cable honors that legacy while opening new pathways.

According to ASTCA, “Le Vasa cable will help enable the delivery of secure, high-speed, affordable internet, and greater network resiliency, even during natural disasters and in times of emergencies. This project also aligns with federal priorities to expand broadband access in underserved and unserved communities.”

In explaining its funding, ASTCA points out that “while multiple funding sources are anticipated, the American Samoa Government has confirmed it will receive funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support the development of Le Vasa to diversify and strengthen the economy of American Samoa and other nations in the region.”

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, in his response to Gov. Pulaali’i’s State of the Territory Address, on behalf of the Fono, noted that while ARPA funding is expected to cover $15 million of the costs for the critical Google cable installation project, the total project budget is $45 million. He raised concerns about the remaining $30 million needed to complete the project — from where will the additional funds come, he asked.

“Together with Google, it is a historic step in securing a connected future for the people of American Samoa,” said Governor Pulaalii, during the ceremony yesterday. “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 Brian Quigley, VP, Global Network Infrastructure, Google Cloud. “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.”

The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) is the official contractual party and project coordinator for this major infrastructure investment, the press release states.

As the implementing agency, ASTCA will own and operate Le Vasa and lead its integration into the Territory’s existing telecom infrastructure, manage landing points, coordinate with global partners, and align with global technical standards.

Through technical collaboration with ASTCA, Google optimized the Bulikula cable path to route closer to the Territory and accelerate Le Vasa’s delivery timeline, establishing a high-capacity pathway that will strengthen resilience in the region and drive economic diversification.

“The Board is proud to support the American Samoa Government in this groundbreaking endeavor,” said Avamua Dave Haleck, Chairman of the ASTCA Board of Directors. “Connectivity is not just about speed. It is about access and secure access. We commend the Pula and Pulu Administration, and our dedicated ASTCA team for bringing this vision to life.”

ASTCA concludes that “once completed, the Le Vasa’s interconnection with the Bulikula cable system will position American Samoa within a robust Pacific communications network.

“It will strengthen redundancy, expand opportunity, and bridge the digital divide between the Pacific and the United States. From remote education to tele-health and digital entrepreneurship enabled by cloud computing, Le Vasa establishes a foundation for long-term digital equity and regional leadership in connectivity.”