Department of War Announces Funding for Le Vasa Cable

Funding will support critical telecommunications infrastructure in American Samoa

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The US Department of War has announced that it will provide $15 million in funding for the Google Le Vasa Cable project in American Samoa. The announcement was made at the Pacific Agenda Investment, Security and Shared Prosperity Summit in Honolulu by US Marine Major General George Powell IV, Director of Strategic Planning and Policy at US Indo-PACOM. The funding will support critical telecommunications infrastructure in the territory, with a focus on workforce development to ensure local talent can independently manage and sustain these vital operations.

Why it matters

The Le Vasa Cable project is a crucial infrastructure investment that will improve connectivity and communications in American Samoa. The Department of War's funding demonstrates the strategic importance of the Pacific region and the US government's commitment to supporting critical infrastructure in US territories.

The details

The Department of War's $15 million funding award will be provided in partnership with American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) and the American Samoa Government. AP Telecom will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study of the territory's entire telecommunications framework, with a primary focus on workforce development to train ASTCA engineers to independently manage and sustain these vital operations.

  • The announcement was made on February 25, 2026 at the Pacific Agenda Investment, Security and Shared Prosperity Summit in Honolulu.
  • A high-level delegation led by Indo-PACOM will arrive in American Samoa in April 2026 to officially announce the $15 million funding award.

The players

George Powell IV

US Marine Major General and Director of Strategic Planning and Policy at US Indo-PACOM.

Folasaitu Sorepa Fata Thomas

CEO of American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA).

Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula

Governor of American Samoa.

Brett Butler

Executive Financial Advisor.

Taimalelagi Minnie Tuia

Director of the American Samoa Visitors Bureau.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“By focusing on both world-class infrastructure and our local talent, we are ensuring that American Samoa's communications backbone remains resilient and managed right here at home.”

— Folasaitu Sorepa Fata Thomas, CEO, American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) (talanei.com)

What’s next

A high-level delegation led by Indo-PACOM will arrive in American Samoa in April 2026 to officially announce the $15 million funding award.

The takeaway

The Department of War's $15 million funding for the Le Vasa Cable project in American Samoa demonstrates the US government's strategic focus on improving critical telecommunications infrastructure in the Pacific region. By partnering with local entities and investing in workforce development, this project will strengthen American Samoa's communications capabilities and resilience.