Project Grant D24AP00133

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) awarded a $160,250 Project Grant under the Economic, Social, and Political Development of the Territories program (CFDA 15.875) to the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA). The grant funding will support the replacement and addition of battery banks and DC power supply units for ASTCA's smaller capacity central office stations across American Samoa. These central office stations provide the critical "last-mile" telecommunications connectivity for federal agencies, local government, businesses, and residents in the U.S. territory. The upgrades to the backup power systems will enhance the reliability and resilience of ASTCA's telecommunications infrastructure, particularly during power outages and disaster events, ensuring continuity of essential communications services including support for first responders.