Thursday the 28thof May 2009 marks an important milestone for all the people of Samoa, to witness the Launching of the ASH Submarine Cable, connecting Samoa to the world by way of a high speed fibre optic cable for first time in history.
In mid July 2008, an agreement was signed by the Government of Samoa, through the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology as well as SamoaTel. This agreement has ensured the connection of the international fiber optic cable between American Samoa, Samoa and Hawaii and connects Samoa to the existing global telecommunications infrastructure networks.
Reverend Oka Fauolo the Chairperson of the Council of Churches in Samoa lead a short service before the Hon. Prime Minister Hon Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi delivered his main speech to commemorate the official opening and launching of the ASH Sub-marine Cable.
The cable will provide more than 40 times the current capacity in use in both Samoa’s combined.
It is no doubt this will also have a huge impact in advancements in;
- Telecommunications - with more bandwidth at lower cost
- IT related business including all our internet service providers
- Education - giving our students the same bandwidth speeds and streaming internet access as available in overseas institution.
- Business in general - by using this broadband for Samoan products to market to more overseas market by using innovative web based marketing tools and technology requiring high speed internet connections.
- Tourism
The Prime Minister also mentioned the celebration of ITU World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2009 which held here in Samoa a few months ago.
“ This new cable gives Samoa improved capacity and much needed bandwidth for internet connectivity. But on top of that we should make cyberspace a safe place for our children where every child can bandage the full potential of ICTs and where every citizen on this planet can exercise the right to access, use, create and share information.”
Before the Prime Minister ended his speech, he acknowledged with thanks the support and great assistance of ASH Cable representatives who worked hard in getting this project completed without any major difficulties. He also acknowledge with thanks the great support and assistance by the Chiefs and Orators of Fagalii village where the cable landing manhole located. A last word of thanks to everyone who was involved in making this a reality for the future of Samoan people.
After the speech by the Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Safuneituuga Paaga Neri, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, cut the ribbon and switched on the main keys to officially open the cable. The tour around the main switch was followed.
This event was held at the Samoa Tel headquarters at Maluafou. It is expected more than 120,000 telephone lines simultaneously for international calls and more job opportunities available in future.
“It is up to you now to use this for the betterment of yourselves, your business, your family and your country. Embrace this technology; create new businesses and new opportunities. It is now up to you Samoa,” the Hon. Prime Minister said.
Author: Naomi L. Hunt MCIT