The submarine cable between Samoa and Fiji

Alcatel Lucent Submarine Networks (ASN) has inked a deal with the Samoa Submarine Cable Company to launch a new submarine cable system linking Samoa with Fiji.

The system, which will be called the Tui-Samoa Cable system, will cover 1,470km, offering a capacity of at least 8Tbps using 100G transmission technology.

It will initially have landing points in Apia and Tuasivi at the Samoa end, and Suva and Fiji. However, this could be extended to the islands of Vanua Levu – Savusavu, and Wallis Futuna, according to SSCC.

Pepe Fia’ailetoa Christian Fruean, the chairperson of SSCC, said: "Fast, reliable, and affordable internet services will no longer be seen as a luxury reserved for a few, but as a basic right for the Samoan people who will now have access to information, innovative services and applications that will improve their lives.

"With the support of ASN’s submarine cable technology, Tui-Samoa Cable will reduce the current dependence on satellite and further accelerate the development of innovative services and applications. 

SSCC is committed to promoting regional co-operation by offering partnerships with Wallis Futuna and Vanua Levu Fiji with the objective of sharing the substantial benefits of Tui-Samoa Cable."

The launch of the cable is part of the Samoan government’s pledge to provide universal access to high-speed broadband for people on the island, as part of its "Strategy for the Development of Samoa".

Development partners including the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and the Australian government have worked with local Samoan investors to help fund the project.

According to Philippe Piron, president of the Nokia-owned Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks, the continued need for broadband access is driving new projects in the Asia-Pacific region.

"We are pleased to work with SSCC helping them enhance broadband capacity and connectivity for the Pacific people, institutions, and businesses by making our expertise and knowledge of the Pacific area available."