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A Comprehensive Approach: Expanding Technology and Innovation in American Samoa

With its unique geographic position in the Pacific, American Samoa faces distinct challenges and opportunities. The Administration’s technology and innovation policy has been to propel the territory into a future where it not only overcomes these challenges but also capitalizes on its unique strengths and geographic isolation. This outlines our vision for transforming American Samoa through technology and innovation, ensuring long-term sustainability, resilience, and economic growth. By addressing these areas with depth and foresight, the Administration continues to prepare American Samoa for the future, making it a technology and communications beacon of progress and a model for other Pacific islands.Here’s an in-depth look at the Administration’s strategic focus areas:

Economic Development through Advanced Technology 

Workforce Development

The economic benefits of acquiring additional bandwidth from the Hawaiki cable include opportunities such as: 

• Setting up call centers or customer service centers.
• Developing local e-commerce
• Establishing data centers for caching and content delivery networks (CDNs) for American companies looking to expand into the Pacific region while remaining on US soil.
•Provide education and certification in more fields and disciplines of study, including IT roles, equipping residents of American Samoa with the requisite skills to secure sought-after positions in the digital economy.

Remote Work and Digital Services Hub

We are preparing American Samoa as a prime location for global companies to set up remote operations. By creating state-of-the-art facilities, we will attract international businesses in fields like call centers and IT support, creating new job opportunities for our residents. Using multiple submarine cables, we aim to make American Samoa a strategic location for cloud services and data centers targeting companies interested in the Asia-Pacific market. 

Innovative Agricultural and Aquacultural Practices

The Administration is leveraging technology in agriculture and aquaculture to introduce precision farming and sustainable aquaculture systems, building on the success of the territory’s current aquaponics farming programs. This aims to increase productivity, reduce environmental impact, and improve food security by decreasing reliance on imports.

Digital Tourism and Cultural Heritage

We aim to digitize and promote Samoan culture and natural beauty through virtual reality tours and online archives. This initiative will preserve our heritage and attract global interest and tourism to American Samoa, providing an innovative avenue for tourism and preserving our culture and Fa’a Samoa for our community and children’s education.

Startup and Small Business Support

The Administration will continue to offer grants and resources for startups and small businesses, focusing on leveraging technology to address community needs and opportunities. This will include mentorship programs, co-working spaces, and access to capital, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship within the digital space.

Improvement in the Quality of Education

Tech-Integrated Education Curriculum 

During our term in office, we have equipped schools with state-of-the-art technology and high-speed internet, incorporating coding and digital literacy into K-12 education. We obtained funding for comprehensive IT degree programs and established a local association for IT professionals to receive ongoing training.

Global University Partnerships

Increased broadband capacity and digital equity amongst our students allow the territory to expand its educational footprint with off-island resources. The administration is focused on forming new partnerships with top universities and education platforms in the US and the region for integration into our local DOE and community college (ASCC) curriculum. These partnerships will give our students unmatched access to new fields of learning, IT, and related fields, as well as highly desired internships and training programs.

Enhancing Health Care Provision via Broadband Services

Healthcare services

Broadband internet services have significantly improved public health and enhanced the capabilities of LBJ and the Department of Health, paving the way for advanced healthcare services and telemedicine. New telemedicine technologies and services have been introduced, integrating more into our local healthcare system.

Empowering the Future: The Intersection of Renewable Energy and Broadband Connectivity

Renewable Energy Initiatives 

Under the Governor's leadership, the administration has championed a shift toward renewable energy sources. By installing solar panels on government buildings and other areas, exploring wind turbines at strategic locations, and oceanic energy potential, we aim to not only reduce our carbon footprint and dependence on imported fuels but also ensure a sustainable and self-sufficient energy supply. This will support technological advancements and economic growth, even during these uncertain times.

Universal Access: Ensuring Broadband Connectivity for American Samoa

Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD)

In 2023, the Administration's local Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Team, consisting of eleven different ASG Departments, successfully secured $37.56 million in BEAD funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for American Samoa. This funding, achieved through multi-year collaborative efforts, aims to enhance broadband access and digital equity within the Territory.

Strategic Initiatives for Submarine Cable Projects

We are actively collaborating with international partners to attract new submarine cable projects, emphasizing American Samoa's strategic location and legal advantages as a U.S. territory. This involves creating a favorable regulatory environment and offering incentives to reduce investment risks.

Broadband Expansion

The Administration is committed to expanding broadband access across the island, connecting every household and business, including remote and underserved areas. This is crucial to bridge the digital divide, especially in the Manu'a Islands.

Subsidized Internet Programs

The administration continues to work with federal and local partners to help subsidize internet programs to give internet access to low-income families and students. We'll partner with ISPs and get funding from digital inclusion grants.

Community Digital Literacy Programs

The Administration will continue to expand its comprehensive digital literacy programs in our community, focusing on skills ranging from basic internet navigation to advanced digital security practices. These programs will cater to all age groups, with special attention to seniors and individuals transitioning careers.

Strategic Data Protection Measures 

The administration has begun planning to establish data centers across various parts of American Samoa to safeguard against local issues such as flooding, tsunamis, and mudslides. Additionally, we will explore partnerships for additional facilities outside the island. This strategy ensures data integrity, uninterrupted services, and quick recovery in any disaster scenario. These measures will benefit and protect the American Samoa Government and private sector.

Championing Digital Equity in American Samoa 

We strive for digital equity in American Samoa, ensuring equal access to digital tools and resources regardless of location, income, or age. Our approach covers technology availability, necessary skills, and opportunities for effective use.

Ensuring Infrastructure for a Secure Broadband Connection 

Digital Connectivity Enhancement

The administration has improved the telecommunications infrastructure by implementing the following measures:

• Working on adding redundancy to the Hawaiki fiber optic cable.
• Enhanced cellular networks and satellite communications.
• Upgraded the mobile wireless access network to 5G.
• Provided a reliable broadband connection to facilitate remote education, telemedicine, e-commerce, and other digital economic activities.

Territorial Cybersecurity Strategy

The administration has established a cybersecurity framework to protect government systems, critical infrastructure, and the privacy of both the private sector and the general population of American Samoa. By prioritizing information technology across sectors, the administration continues to address evolving security threats and secure our infrastructure. Recognizing information and communication technology as critical for economic development, our plans include:

• Joint program participation with federal programs
• Expanding partnerships with local and private sector companies
• Launching educational campaigns on cyber threats
• Collaborating with regional island partners and sharing information

Comprehensive Communication Systems Enhancement

The administration has implemented significant upgrades and expansions to ensure reliable communication during emergencies and government operations. These improvements include:

• Improved physical communication infrastructure
• Expanded satellite connectivity
• Upgraded radio communication systems and fortified cellular networks
• Partnered with AT&T for emergency FirstNet communications
• Designed a new Cable Landing Station
• Continuous improvements to current systems and processes

Hazard Mitigation Infrastructure 

The administration recognizes the critical need to incorporate communications and IT infrastructure into a comprehensive hazard mitigation plan for the territory.  The American Samoa Territorial Hazard Mitigation Plan is updated every five years and is in current and good standing, having been approved by FEMA jointly with the Hazard Mitigation Council chaired by the Honorable Lieutenant who serves as the GAR or Governor’s Authorized Representative.Reliable communication networks and robust IT systems are essential for real-time information sharing, coordination, and decision-making among emergency responders and the public during disasters. To this end, the administration has already initiated this process by collaborating with overseas federal and university partners on new systems and processes, along with continued adoption and training. Our goal is to develop local solutions tailored to the specific needs of our territory, including access roads, radio systems, FirstNet, and local IT solutions.

Broadband’s Crucial Role in Sustaining the Environment

Water and Waste Management Technologies

The administration and ASPA have implemented smart technologies for water conservation, waste management, and critical infrastructure resilience. This includes advanced recycling, waste-to-energy, and smart water meters, safeguarding supply chains, conserving natural resources, and ensuring uninterrupted service during crises.

Conclusion

Significant milestones have been achieved in American Samoa with the enhancement of broadband connectivity, network resiliency, 5G deployment, and improvements in infrastructure and cybersecurity. Our administration's comprehensive approach to expanding technology and innovation empowers professionals across various fields to optimize business processes, enhance education, improve medical services, streamline banking, and much more. Investing in broadband and IT infrastructure addresses immediate challenges while ensuring long-term sustainability, resilience, and economic growth for American Samoa.These investments boost our territory's economic competitiveness and create a more inclusive digital future, making American Samoa a beacon of progress and a model for other Pacific islands. More importantly, they keep American Samoa relevant and connected in the new global digital economy, allowing our people to stay here, create opportunities for their families, and maintain a technological edge while enjoying the richness of our culture and the beauty of our native home.