ASTCA promises an online phone directory soon
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa’s phone directory is “coming soon” and will be part of American Samoa TeleCommunications Authority’s (ASTCA) “new and improved website.”
This was confirmed by ASTCA’s Marketing manager Marjorie Steffany in an email to Samoa News over the latest developments by the Authority.
Earlier this month, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean sought a clarification on when ASCTA would issue a phonebook for the territory. He further pointed out the only directory available to the public is calling 411 which cost 50 cents per call.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on ASTCA, Senator Utu Sila Poasa, explained that ASTCA is in the middle of a lawsuit with businessman John Newton, who produced the phonebook directory hence the delay, and it is still pending.
“However, ASTCA is looking at an online directory that can be accessed by people in the territory and those off island,” he said.
The Senate President responded during the session that is beside the point and “never mind the lawsuit” — the public needs a directory and that has to happen immediately.
He reiterated the cost to subscribers when they are looking for contact numbers, is unfair.