OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Friday, August 31, 2007)
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Governor Togiola signs up for fiber optic with PacRim East cable

(HONOLULU) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today signed a letter of intent with the other three parties to the redeployment of the Pacific Rim (PacRim) East cable from American Samoa to Hawaii.

According to Governor Togiola, the document is to approve the parties to move forward with the development of the project, securing financing, and ultimately to develop the purchase and sale agreement for the cable.

Governor Togiola said the American Samoa Government (ASG) will advance $9 million over the next three years, instead of the original proposal of $18 million, to assist in the security of the financing of the project.

ASG will acquire one-third ownership of the company that will own the cable and will be entitled to one third of all the profits from the venture.

Governor Togiola said he will consult with the legislature regarding the project and if plans fall in place, the cable could be up and running in the Territory by July of next year.

“I will be contacting the Fono when I return to work out the rest of the financing requirements and to bring them up to speed on how this project will work,” said Governor Togiola. “If all goes according to schedule, the cable could be available for service by the second quarter of 2008.”

The fiber optic Pacific Rim East cable operates at optical wavelength, a higher frequency than other undersea communications systems. It uses modulated laser light to carry the information, and all laser repeaters have redundant backup units, which switch in if the main laser fails.

“I am optimistic and I trust that all the partners in this venture want this cable lighted up as soon as we can,” said Governor Togiola.”