ASTCA outlines funding needs for three capital projects

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA), Sorepa Fouvale Thomas, has submitted a proposal to the American Samoa Economic Development Authority (ASEDA) to fund several projects totaling $8 million. 

This is outlined in a letter dated September 4, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the ASEDA board, Magalei Logoviʻi Magalei. According to the CEO, as ASTCA transitions under new leadership with the Pula & Pulu administration, they are accelerating their commitment to advancing the Governor’s vision for digital transformation and equity throughout the Territory. 

“Your interest in having ASTCA identify potential projects for refinancing or project assistance, ranging from $3 million to $5 million, is both timely and aligned with our operational priorities.” 

Thomas outlined three capital project options for ASEDA’s consideration:

  1. SAS-2 Submarine Cable Partnership – $8 Million ASTCA Share: This project represents a strategic investment in international capacity and redundancy. With a total project cost of $14 million to $15 million, ASTCA’s share is $8 million in partnership with the Samoa Submarine Cable Company (SSCC). Additional capital through refinancing would empower ASTCA to finalize negotiations from a stronger position, enabling us to fully wholesale our Hawaiki capacity as intended under the original MOU.          Resilient Cable Landing Station – Estimated $4 Million to $4.5 Million**  

   2. This facility will support the Hawaiki cable, Google cable, SAS-2 (inter-Samoa) cable, and future subsea systems. It will consolidate operations in a hardened, purpose-built facility designed for security, expansion, and long-term savings. This is a critical piece of infrastructure that aligns with the Territory’s goals for digital resiliency and climate adaptation, while also protecting essential infrastructure against vandalism and state-sponsored threats.

  3.  Mobile Core Network Modernization (Ericsson) – $14 Million over 5 Years**  

   Driven by vendor deprecation, this mandatory upgrade ensures the continuity of mobile services and compliance with next-generation network standards. Although broader in cost, a phased approach supported by refinancing may help mitigate service risk, balance cash flow requirements, and minimize customer impact on our mobile services.

“In line with these proposals, ASTCA respectfully requests ASEDA’s reconfirmation of interest rate terms, repayment schedules, and the possibility of extending the current plan. Specifically, we are exploring the option to maintain repayments at $1 million annually over the next five years, instead of following the previously proposed step-up schedule of $1 million, $2 million, and $3 million. “This adjustment would provide essential financial flexibility given recent developments, including the unexpected $14 million vendor deprecation requirement and the launch of the new Google cable project,” said the CEO.