Trans-Atlantic Cable to Link U.S. to USVI to Africa

M.A. Dworkin

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett’s tireless efforts to create a Trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable which will connect the East Coast of the United States, via the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Nigeria and Ghana, have paid off with a voice vote by the House of Representative’s passage of HR 1737, the “DiasporaLink Act,” a bill the Congresswoman sponsored.

The bill, re-introduced in March with Congresswoman Plaskett’s Republican colleague Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-ID) requests an assessment of the value, cost and feasibility of developing such a project. 

“I am pleased to see the passage of this legislation known as the “DiasporaLink Act” through the House. This bill represents an opportunity to establish high-speed internet connection to Africa and throughout the Caribbean from American soil, which will enhance America’s national security data and communication interests in the regions,” stated the Congresswoman. “In the legislation, this Trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable will intersect in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The DiasporaLink Act is envisioned as both a national security instrument and a digital commerce expressway to boost America’s global, political, economic, and military advantages and influences. This act will ensure the region is not forgotten as it confronts increasing regional political instability and transnational criminal activity.”

The Congresswoman first introduced the bill in June 2023 and it continues to work its way through the legislative process. 

“The passage of this bill through the House of Representatives is a significant step in the legislative process. Legislation does not become law until passed by the House, passed by the Senate, then signed into law by the President. I am hopeful this measure will be considered by the Senate in short order,” said Ms. Plaskett.

Presently there is no direct fiber optic link between the U.S. and the continent of Africa. Most cables run from New York to Europe before routing to Africa. The closest direct link is with Brazil. Africa is increasingly an area that presents dynamic economic opportunities for our country as well as national security challenges that must be addressed. The Virgin Islands is strategically positioned in the transit zones to fight transnational crime and protect U.S. national and regional security in the Caribbean as well as a safe hub for fiber optic between the two continents.    

The service will provide African and Caribbean submarine operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) a clear channel to U.S. financial and business centers. In addition, undersea cables have significant strategic importance and an estimated 400 of them carry approximately 98 percent of international data as well as telephone traffic around the world. Many are owned and operated by U.S. companies - helping reinforce U.S. dominance over the internet while giving a sense of security to the U.S. and its allies that may be concerned about sabotage or surveillance.

Having the hub in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a significant 21st century paradigm shift. It allows the USVI certain advantages, by making it a hub for commerce in the global digital economy and will stimulate high tech job opportunities for Virgin Islanders and attract digital users into the Territory.

In the 118th Congress, this legislation passed through the House Energy & Commerce Committee with unanimous support, passed the House of Representatives and has now been sent on to the Senate. The Office of Congresswoman Plaskett is working with the Senate to facilitate passage in that chamber.