JULY 7, 2009 -- eLandia, a technology enabler of emerging markets, is joining Governor Togiola Tulafono and the people of American Samoa to inaugurate the undersea fiber-optic cable that now connects American Samoa and the Independent State of Samoa to Hawaii and the rest of the world. Formal launch of the cable provides high-speed connection for the territory's people and businesses to the global marketplace, promoting innovation and new opportunities for education, economic development, and health care.
"The submarine fiber-optic cable transforms the entire telecommunication landscape of American Samoa in ways that we could not have imagined twenty years ago," says Governor Togiola. "With the cable, we can implement critical technology that is essential to empowering our citizens and businesses. It represents a new opportunity to light a flame that will shine across the world, fed by our ingenuity, determination, and desire to succeed. We are delighted to stand with our guests today and welcome this unprecedented connection to our future."
The cable project reactivates the submarine PacRim East cable, which was lifted from the ocean floor and reconnected, to deliver 1-Gbps broadband to 280,000 island residents. Residents and businesses are expected to see improved delivery of broadband data, voice, video, and cable services. The American Samoa government and eLandia had previously formed American Samoa Hawaii Cable LLC to undertake the ambitious project. eLandia will operate advanced network and broadband services over the newly deployed cable.
"We applaud Governor Togiola's vision and tenacity in delivering this transformational project to the great people of American Samoa," says Pete Pizarro, chairman and chief executive officer of eLandia, "and we are delighted to celebrate this historic project as American Samoa becomes a more connected member of the global marketplace."
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