The agreement that was signed Thursday between the American Samoa Government and Google paves the way for the territory to join the Pacific Connect Initiative.
Key to this telecommunications venture is Le Vasa cable, which ASTCA describes as an independent next-generation subsea fiber-optic system, which will interconnect with the Bulikula cable with connections to Fiji and French Polynesia. By leveraging existing construction operations in the region for Bulikula, American Samoa will benefit from reduced costs and accelerated installation timelines.
The agreement was signed by Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Google Vice President, Global Infrastructure Network, Mr Brian Quigley, during a luncheon at the Lee Auditorium Thursday.
The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) is the official contractual party and project coordinator for this major infrastructure investment.
As the implementing agency, ASTCA will own and operate Le Vasa and lead its integration into American Samoa’s existing telecom infrastructure, manage landing points, coordinate with global partners, and align with global technical standards. Through technical collaboration with ASTCA, Google optimized the Bulikula cable path to route closer to the territory and accelerate Le Vasa’s delivery timeline.
There was no information provided on the capacity that the new cable would provide or how much it would cost.
In his remarks at the opening of the Fono on Monday Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean said according to correspondence from Google the cost would be $45 million. He said while $15 million is to be funded by ARPA. he wondered how the remaining $30 would be financed. 
ASTCA said while multiple funding sources are anticipated, the American Samoa Government has confirmed it will receive funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support the development of the Le Vasa cable.
At the signing ceremony Google Vice President Mr Quigley said the Pacific Connect Initiative was born out of an idea and a desire by Google to connect the world.
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Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula answered the question that some are asking: why the administration wants to bring another undersea cable when he have Hawaiki .
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At the luncheon Mr Quigley had the chance to view a demonstration by the Tafuna JROTC Robotics team that has just returned victorious from a robotics competition in San Diego.
Leone High School which is under ASTCA’s care through the Adopt a School Program provided lively entertainment for the guests which included Samoa Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt and his delegation, lawmakers, cabinet members and the business community. ASTCA CEO Folasaitu Sorepa Thomas and staff presented carved alias for the Google team. Gifts were also presented to the Samoa PM, and local leaders.
Early Thursday morning, Nuuuli village hosted an ava ceremony at the Levu guesthouse for the Google VP and delegation, and the Samoan Prime Minister and delegation. 
Also attending the ava ceremony were the Fono leaders, Lt Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. and Alex Sene Jr representing the ASTCA Board. Bishop Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale offered the prayers at the ava ceremony and also at the agreement signing luncheon.
