The american samoa telecommunications authority (astca) respectfully requests funding through the office of insular affairs' technical assistance program (TAP) to replace critical DC power…

The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) received a $348,000 Project Grant awarded November 3, 2025, under the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs Economic, Social, and Political Development of the Territories program (CFDA 15.875). The grant funds the replacement of critical direct current (DC) power infrastructure, specifically high-capacity battery banks and DC power supply units, at ASTCA's four main central office facilities in Iliili, Tafuna, Fagatogo, and Satala. These central offices form the core network ring supporting ASTCA's telecommunications infrastructure across American Samoa.

The project directly addresses infrastructure degradation caused by repeated power interruptions and the territory's humid, corrosive environment that have compromised existing battery systems and power units. By replacing deteriorated equipment and adding redundant DC power supply units, ASTCA will maintain reliable 48-volt DC power delivery essential to sustaining broadband, voice, IPTV, LTE/5G wireless connectivity, and FirstNet emergency responder communications throughout the territory. The upgrades enhance operational resilience during utility outages and generator transitions, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery to government agencies, first responders, healthcare institutions, educational facilities, and the general public. The project is scheduled for completion by September 30, 2029.

The american samoa telecommunications authority (astca) respectfully requests funding through the office of insular affairs' technical assistance program (TAP) to replace critical DC power infrastructure-specifically high-capacity battery banks and DC power supply units-at its four main central office (CO) facilities: iliili, tafuna, fagatogo, and satala. These COS form the core network ring that supports astca's telecommunications infrastructure, providing essential broadband, voice, iptv, LTE/5G wireless connectivity, and firstnet emergency responder communications to the territory of american samoa. Astca's network relies on a 48V DC power system to maintain reliable service. While normal operations draw power from the utility grid via AC-to-DC rectifiers, battery banks provide the critical bridge during utility outages and generator transitions, ensuring uninterrupted service. However, repeated power interruptions, combined with the territory's humid, corrosive environment, have led to the degradation of battery systems and DC power units at the core CO sites. This proposal seeks to replace deteriorated battery banks and add additional DC power supply units to maintain power system redundancy and ensure resilient, uninterrupted service delivery. These upgrades are essential to astca's ability to maintain reliable telecommunications-especially during emergencies-while supporting the needs of government agencies, first responders, health and education institutions, and the general public. This project aligns directly with the goals of the TAP program by improving the operational capacity and resiliency of a critical public utility, enhancing emergency preparedness and response, and supporting equitable access to vital broadband and telecommunications services across american samoa.