Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga met with several officials of the FirstNet Authority and FirstNet Build with AT&T to coincide with the 5-year mark since the establishment of the network and the signing of the territorial plans. This meeting, known as the FirstNet Progress Update (FPU), provided an opportunity to discuss the history of FirstNet in American Samoa, the current state, pending upgrades, future planning, and a review of recent experiences.

 “FirstNet plays a critical role in enhancing public safety and emergency response capabilities,” stated Governor Lemanu in the roundtable discussion. He continued, “FirstNet provides first responders with a dedicated and reliable communication platform tailored to their unique needs. We commend you all for your efforts to ensure the safety of the people of American Samoa.”

With their active presence in the territory, the meeting continued with the following updates:

● FirstNet network in American Samoa has expanded LTE coverage across much of the territory as well as priority and preemption capabilities for first responders.

● Deployable cell sites can be used to provide temporary coverage where needed, including on Swains Island.

● Upgrades to include in-building coverage solutions and new devices/applications continue to roll out.

● Continued partnership and communication between FirstNet, AT&T, American Samoa officials, and first responders for network planning and emergency response.

Several first responders shared and provided their feedback from real-world experiences and needs that will be used as a guide for future network investments and improvements.

At the meeting were FirstNet Authority Board Member Alexandra Fernandez Navarro, FirstNet Authority Board Member and Mayor of Gulfport, Mississippi Billy Hewes, FirstNet Build with AT&T US Territories Program Lead Michael Fox, Section Chief Response Operations Group Shannon Browning, AT&T FirstNet Technology Group Director Jeff Carl, and Client Solutions Executive, Hawaii and Pacific Territories Liz Greg.

American Samoa government officials included Homeland Security Director Samana Veavea and the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority CEO Chuck Leota.