The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority has not been able to sell any of the capacity of the Hawaiki Cable, in which the government has invested $30 million.
During ASTCA’s budget hearing today, Rep. Larry Sanitoa asked CEO Chuck Leota if any of the 200 gigabytes made available by the Hawaiki Cable has been sold.
Leota said only 30 gigs is being used by ASTCA, but they haven’t sold anything outside of American Samoa. They have sent proposals to try and sell the capacity to neighboring islands, but they have not had any success. He said they are also pursuing another cable between the two Samoa, which would channel capacity to other islands. ASTCA applied for federal funding for this project but was not successful, and are now pursuing other sources.
Rep. Sanitoa urged that ASTCA continue to do its best to get a return on the $30 million invested in the Hawaiki Cable. He also pointed out that the cable will be obsolete in 10 years, so it’s important that the government make some money from its investment.
His views were echoed by Senator Malaepule Moliga.
Responding to a question from Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean on a phone directory, Leota said they are close to concluding a lawsuit with the publisher of the previous directory and a new phone book is being planned. In the meantime, ASTCA provides a 411 service for phone numbers. The Senate leader asked if it’s true ASTCA charges 50 cents per call for a phone number.
Other concerns raised were dropped cell calls, wages for staff in Manu’a, which are below the government minimum wage, and the lack of per diem given to employees in Manu’a when they travel to Tutuila for work purposes.
For FY2024, ASTCA’s proposed budget is $26 million, up from $24 million, for FY2023. The number of employees jumps from 184 to 199.
The breakdown of the ASTCA budget:
- Personnel – $5.7 million;
- Materials and Supplies – $4.3 million;
- Contractual Services – $3.1 million;
- Travel – $291,000,
- All Others – $8,054,000
- Equipment – $4.3 million.
According to ASTCA’s Profit and Loss statement for FY2023, revenues totaled $26 million and expenses came to the exact amount of revenues—$26 million.
