A.S. and Samoa in talks to solve broadband problems

By Joyetter Luamanu 15 October 2017, 12:00AM

A pro-active approach and a co-operative response to solve a telecommunication problem has resulted in a positive relationship between the two Samoas.  

Network interference originating from the telecommunication companies in American Samoa led Samoa’s Regulator Lefaoali’i Unutoa Auelua Fonoti to pay a visit to the Territory. 

This was confirmed in response to questions sent to the Regulator.

“Yes I can confirm that I am here to discuss with the A.S. telecom companies a possible solution to an interference problem originating from American Samoa that is affecting our local network at the eastern part of Upolu (Aleipata Area),” she said 

The Regulator said the interference had affected the mobile broadband service of Bluesky Samoa and it was a possibility that it was affecting other providers as well.

American Samoa’s Regulator, which is the Federal Communication’s Commissioner, is based in America and according to Lefaoali’i she had contacted them via email in May when they first detected the interference. 

“After waiting for six months with no response, I made a decision to come to American Samoa to discuss the issue with the two service providers in order to come up with solutions to rectify the problem,” said Unutoa. 

“I was looking more at solving the issue the Samoan way of soalaupule and helping each other instead of going through other avenues given the different arrangements within the two countries.” 

Lefaoali’i says the meeting has been fruitful discussions with Acting Country Manager of Bluesky AS Raj Deo and C.E.O. of American Samoa Telecommunications Authority, Pulelei’ite Li’amatua Tufele.

“And as a result of those meetings we agreed that we will all work together to eliminate the interference. 

“The agreement is based on coordination approaches where my technical team will work together with their technical teams to rectify the problem and because it’s a crucial issue, they agreed to my request to have the initial work start this weekend.” 

The Regulator commended the assistance provided by the two Chief Executive Officers for taking their time out from their busy schedules to meet and discuss the important issue.  

“And especially their willingness to work together with us on this matter despite us being under two different jurisdictions,” said Lefaoali’i. 

By Joyetter Luamanu 15 October 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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