Congresswoman Plaskett Celebrates House Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Establish Trans-Atlantic Submarine Fiber Optic Cable

Strategic Insights -

Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett's (D-VI-AL) HR 1737, the "DiasporaLink Act", has passed the House of Representatives by voice vote. This bipartisan legislation requests an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of developing a Trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the East coast of the United States, via the United States Virgin Islands, with Nigeria and Ghana. The cable aims to enhance America's national security data and communication interests in the regions, establish a high-speed internet connection to Africa, and boost America's global, political, economic, and military advantages and influences.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congresswoman Plaskett's HR 1737, the "DiasporaLink Act", aims to establish a Trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the East coast of the United States, via the United States Virgin Islands, with Nigeria and Ghana.
  • The cable will enhance America's national security data and communication interests in the regions, establish a high-speed internet connection to Africa, and boost America's global, political, economic, and military advantages and influences.
  • The TransAtlantic submarine fiber optic cable network's strategic location makes DiasporaLink a "Digital Safe Harbor" under the U.S. flag.
  • The cable will provide African and Caribbean submarine operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with a clear channel to U.S. financial and business centers.
  • The U.S. Virgin Islands will serve as a hub for commerce in the global digital economy and stimulate high-tech job opportunities for Virgin Islanders.
  • The Office of Congresswoman Plaskett is working with the Senate to facilitate passage in that Chamber.

Statistics:

  • The "DiasporaLink Act" passed through the House Energy & Commerce Committee with unanimous support.
  • Approximately 98 percent of international internet data and telephone traffic is carried by 400 undersea cables worldwide.
  • Many of these cables are owned and operated by U.S. companies, reinforcing U.S. dominance over the internet.
  • The U.S. Virgin Islands has a unique geostrategic location that has been used for the benefit of other world powers in the past.
  • The proposed cable will intersect in the U.S. Virgin Islands, making it a significant 21st century paradigm shift.

Sources:

  • 2 U.S. Code § 4098 - Congressional budget office
  • Press release: Congresswoman Plaskett celebrates House passage of bipartisan legislation to establish trans-atlantic submarine fiber optic cable (United States House of Representatives)