The telecommunications landscape in American Samoa is characterised by unique geographical challenges and innovative solutions. As a remote island territory in the South Pacific, the archipelago experiences logistical hurdles in implementing standard telecommunication infrastructure, compounded by a widely dispersed population across its various islands. The country has adopted innovative techniques to address these challenges, notably by utilising satellite communications, inter- and intra-island submarine fibre optic cables. In 2009, the American Samoa-Hawaii Cable (ASH cable), a fibre-optic submarine communications cable, was introduced. The SAS cable between American Samoa and Samoa was upgraded to 100 Gbps in 2018. Despite the inherent complexities, the territory has made significant strides in delivering telecommunications services.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 2 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
BlueSky Communications is a key telecommunications provider in American Samoa. The company was established in 1999, with a principal focus on offering a wide range of communication services to the local population. BlueSky Communications is owned by Amper SA, a Spanish telecommunications company, which acquired the company in 2016. Bluesky operates the only submarine fibre optic cable connecting Samoa and American Samoa to Hawaii.
The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) is a government-owned corporation that provides telecommunication services in the U.S. territory of American Samoa. Established in 1997, ASTCA was created to ensure the delivery of reliable and affordable communication services to the territory's residents and businesses. As a public entity, it operates under the oversight of the American Samoa Government, with its operations directed by a board of directors appointed by the Governor of American Samoa.