Pacific’s first 5G nation
NESTLED in the heart of the South Pacific, American Samoa is a vibrant territory known for its rich culture, warm hospitality, and stunning natural beauty.
With a population of approximately 50,000 people, this group of islands stands as a tight-knit community where traditional Samoan ways blend seamlessly with American influences.
The territory’s economy, while modest, is primarily based on tuna fishing and canning, alongside contributions from the public sector.
I got the chance to first-hand experience the warmth and hospitality of the people of this wonderful island nation.
Despite its small size and GDP, American Samoa boasts a proud heritage, with communal living, the fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way) lifestyle, and respect for the ‘aiga (family) playing central roles in daily life.
The Samoan culture, deeply rooted in respect, dance, storytelling, and the fa’amatai (chief system), is a cornerstone of the community’s identity.
In a ground-breaking development, this proud Pacific nation has become the first in the Pacific region to introduce 5G mobile coverage across both of its mobile network operators.
This small territory is now at the forefront of technological innovation in the Pacific, thanks to the efforts of BlueSky American Samoa, a subsidiary of the Amalgamated Telecom Holding Ltd (ATH).
ATH, recognised as the largest listed entity on the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPSE), stands as a titan in telecommunications with an expansive footprint across Fiji, Kiribati, Vanuatu, American Samoa, Samoa, the Cook Islands, and Papua New Guinea.
The introduction of 5G technology in American Samoa is more than just an upgrade in
internet speeds; it represents a seismic shift in the possibilities for connectivity, education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and more.
Let’s explore how this small nation is poised to leverage 5G technology to transform the lives of its citizens and set a precedent for technological adoption in the Pacific. Transforming education and healthcare through 5G
One of the most exciting applications of 5G technology lies in its ability to revolutionise education and healthcare through enhanced connectivity and innovative tools like tabletop holographic displays.
These devices can project three-dimensional images into physical space, making learning and medical diagnostics more interactive and immersive.
In educational settings, students can explore complex biological structures, historical artifacts, and scientific phenomena in a way that traditional textbooks and 2D images could never allow.
This hands-on approach not only enhances understanding but also ignites a passion for learning.
Furthermore, with high brain drain faced by the country, this tabletop holographic displays could allow student to gain better remote education.
In the healthcare sector, tabletop holographic displays can facilitate remote consultations, allowing specialists from around the world to examine patients in real-time, guiding local practitioners through procedures or offering expert diagnoses without the need for travel. This is particularly beneficial for American Samoa, where access to specialised medical care has been limited. 5G-enabled quadrupeds: A new era for security and more
The deployment of 5G also paves the way for the use of advanced robotics, such as 5G-enabled quadrupeds, in various sectors. These robotic ‘dogs’ can perform a range of tasks, from security patrols to agricultural monitoring, hazardous area inspection, remote monitoring, data collection, and even package delivery.
In security, these quadrupeds can provide 24/7 surveillance across large areas, such as industrial complexes or borders, sending real-time data back to control centres. Their ability to navigate difficult terrains makes them invaluable for search and rescue operations following natural disasters, a significant concern in the Pacific region.
Agriculturally, these robots can monitor crop health, soil moisture levels, and pest activity, transmitting this data to farmers, who can then make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilisation, and pest control. This precision agriculture approach can significantly increase yields and reduce waste.
In hazardous environments, such as chemical plants or areas affected by natural disasters, these quadrupeds can carry out inspections and data collection, minimising human exposure to danger. Their potential for remote monitoring and package delivery in hardto-reach areas could also be a game-changer for logistics and support services in the Pacific islands. Conclusion
The launch of 5G in American Samoa opens up a world of opportunities for this small nation and sets a benchmark for the Pacific region. By embracing this technology, American Samoa not only enhances its connectivity and economic potential but also demonstrates the transformative power of 5G in education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and beyond.
Beyond the immediate benefits in education, healthcare, and various sectors, 5G technology in American Samoa opens the door to a myriad of other possibilities, promising to reshape the economic and social landscape of the territory. Enhanced connectivity can spur the growth of digital businesses, e-commerce, and remote work opportunities, making it easier for American Samoans to connect with global markets and work opportunities without leaving their beautiful islands. Plus who would not want to leave the cold winds of California and work remotely from the beach from villas in American Samoa?
This increased digital engagement can also boost tourism by allowing for virtual reality tours and augmented reality experiences, giving potential visitors a taste of American Samoa’s rich culture and stunning landscapes before they even arrive.
Additionally, 5G can facilitate more effective disaster response and management, a crucial aspect for an island prone to natural challenges. Real-time data collection and analysis can improve early warning systems, emergency communications, and logistical support during and after natural disasters.
The rollout of 5G in American Samoa is not just about technological advancement; it’s about opening up a world of opportunities that can enhance the quality of life, preserve and promote cultural heritage, and foster sustainable economic growth in this Pacific paradise.
ASHNIL PRASAD is an experienced investments professional, working as chief investment officer at Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Ltd. He has over 14 years of experience spread across mobile money, lending, transaction structuring, valuations, corporate finance, mergers and acquisition, share acquisition, corporate restructures, financial instrument pricing, feasibility studies and corporate governance. He completed his Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University, Australia and specialised investment courses from Stanford Business School and Harvard, USA. Mr Prasad is a qualified CPA and completed the RBF Securities License exam conducted by Securities and Investment Institute Asia Pacific. The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Fiji Times.