Digicel Samoa and the Samoa Submarine Cable Company (S.S.C.C.) have signed a 15-year indefeasible rights of use (I.R.U.) agreement for the Tui Samoa Cable.

I.R.U. is a permanent contractual agreement that cannot be undone between the owners of a cable and a customer of that cable system. Cable is mostly a fiber cable as fiber can carry more data than any other type of media.

During the conference at the Digicel main office, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Afamasaga Rico Tupai, said the agreement could not have been signed at a better time, with the Pacific Games starting Sunday.

“Tui Samoa is the first Pacific cable having signed an I.R.U., it is a big milestone for S.S.C.C. and positive outcome of the strategy implemented by the board. 

“This has also translated into increased access at reduced cost.”

He said the Pacific Games broadcast is an important aspect of Samoa's commitment to showcasing the Games to the Pacific and the world. 

“I am delighted that with the increased capacity we will be providing high quality broadcast to all our partners,” he said. 

Digicel C.E.O. Farid Mohammed was delighted at the announcement of the continued and now long term partnership with S.S.C.C. 

“This new deal provides incremental capacity on the Tui Samoa cable and it couldn’t have come at a better time. 

“Digicel is the official sponsor of the Pacific Games 2019, which includes all broadcast and communications requirements. The additional capacity will not only ensure that Digicel delivers world class broadcast of the Games to the Pacific and Globally but in future used to support economic growth in Samoa.” 

He said Digicel continues to deliver on its promise to the Samoan government – increased internet connectivity at a reduced cost. 

“Since the launch of the Tui Samoa Cable last year, data price per G.B. has dropped by around 80 percent and usage per customer has seen a whooping increase, almost six times more over the same period. 

“Customer can now access high speed internet on their smartphones. At a click, they have the entertainment world on their device in their hand. 

“It’s an exciting time for all Samoans, this is our moment to shine and as our athletes Go for Gold, our new partnership with the Samoa Submarine Cable Company will showcase how we are on par with the rest of the world when it comes to broadband internet connectivity.”