Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A delegation of key partners involved in the development of the Le Vasa submarine cable system is in American Samoa this week, marking a major step forward in the territory’s participation in Google’s Pacific Connect initiative.

Representatives from AP Telecom—one of the project’s principal funding and development partners—arrived to support the launch of new survey operations that will determine the final route and landing point of the cable. Their visit coincides with the arrival of SubCom survey teams, who began shoreline and near‑shore assessments on April 27.

Offshore survey operations between the branching unit and the Fogagogo landing site officially began on Tuesday, April 28, and will continue through May 5. These surveys will map the safest undersea route for the cable as it connects American Samoa to the broader Pacific Connect network. Officials say this milestone marks the beginning of a transformative phase for the Le Vasa system, which is expected to significantly enhance the territory’s global connectivity.

The AP Telecom delegation is led by Major General Joaquin F. Malavet (Ret.), Senior Advisor to AP Telecom, a consultant to the U.S. Department of State, and a liaison to U.S. Indo‑Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). His presence underscores the strategic importance of the project, which aligns with U.S. efforts to strengthen secure digital infrastructure across the Pacific region.

Local leaders formally welcomed the delegation during a traditional ‘ava ceremony hosted by the village of Aoloau. In attendance were Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula, Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr., Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, and senior government officials.

Before the ceremony began, American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) CEO Folasaitu Sorepa Thomas addressed the gathering and officially welcomed the visitors. She acknowledged Major General Malavet as “the Territory’s vital voice to the Pentagon and the Pacific region,” and recognized the presence of the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, represented by trustee Walter Panzirer and his team.

“To our honored guests, you are not just visitors—you are partners in our progress, our health, and our security,” Thomas said. “To our local leaders and elders, this project represents a stronger, more self‑reliant American Samoa.”

American Samoa joined Google’s Pacific Connect initiative in January 2026. The Le Vasa cable is the territory’s entry point into this regional network, designed to provide high‑capacity, secure connectivity across the Pacific. The system will link American Samoa to the Bulikula cable—currently under construction by Google and its partners—bringing faster, more resilient, and more affordable internet services to the territory.

Officials say the project will strengthen digital services, improve disaster resilience, and support economic development. CEO Thomas described the survey work as “the moment when years of planning begin turning into visible progress,” noting that the cable will significantly enhance the territory’s digital infrastructure.

The delegation is expected to continue meetings with government officials, ASTCA leadership, and community stakeholders throughout the week as the project advances toward its next phase.