Verified Facts
The internet in American Samoa is relatively slow and limited, with an average speed of around 5 Mbps, but it is generally reliable and widely available in urban areas, making it possible for tourists and remote workers to stay connected.
Quick Facts
Internet Overview
The internet in American Samoa is provided by a few main carriers, including BlueSky and ASTCA, which offer a range of plans and services to suit different needs and budgets. However, the quality of the internet can vary greatly depending on the location, with urban areas such as Pago Pago generally having faster and more reliable connections than rural areas. This urban-rural divide can make it difficult for people living or working in remote areas to access the internet, and even in urban areas, the internet can be slow and unreliable at times.
The reliability of the internet in American Samoa can also be affected by factors such as weather and maintenance, with outages and disruptions occurring from time to time. However, overall, the internet in American Samoa is generally reliable and widely available, making it possible for tourists and remote workers to stay connected. Despite the limitations, the internet has become an essential part of life in American Samoa, with many people using it for communication, education, and business.
Getting a SIM Card
To get a SIM card in American Samoa, tourists and visitors can purchase one from a local carrier such as BlueSky or ASTCA, which have stores and outlets in Pago Pago and other urban areas. To purchase a SIM card, visitors will need to provide a valid passport and proof of address, and the cost is around 20 USD for a tourist SIM. The SIM card can be used in a mobile phone or other device, and it comes with a range of data plans and services, including voice and text messaging.
It is recommended to purchase a SIM card from a reputable carrier such as BlueSky or ASTCA, which offer a range of plans and services to suit different needs and budgets. The data plans and prices vary depending on the carrier and the type of plan, but they generally range from around 10 USD to 50 USD per month, depending on the amount of data and the services included.
| Carrier | Tourist Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlueSky | Tourist Plan | 1 GB | 10 USD | Valid for 7 days |
| ASTCA | Prepaid Plan | 2 GB | 20 USD | Valid for 30 days |
| American Samoa Telecommunications Authority | Data Plan | 5 GB | 30 USD | Valid for 30 days |
| BlueSky | Monthly Plan | 10 GB | 50 USD | Auto-renewal available |
WiFi Availability
- Hotel WiFi quality is generally good, with many hotels and resorts offering free WiFi to their guests
- Cafe WiFi culture is limited, with only a few cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi to customers
- Coworking spaces are available in Pago Pago, offering a range of services and facilities, including high-speed internet and meeting rooms
- Public WiFi is limited, with only a few public hotspots available in urban areas
- Many restaurants and bars also offer free WiFi to customers, making it possible to stay connected while dining or socializing
For Remote Workers
- Coworking spaces such as the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce offer a range of services and facilities, including high-speed internet and meeting rooms
- Reliable cafe chains such as McDonald's and Starbucks offer free WiFi and a range of food and drink options
- Backup internet options such as mobile hotspots and satellite internet are available, but they can be expensive and unreliable
- VPNs are recommended to protect against cyber threats and ensure secure and private browsing
- Many hotels and resorts also offer coworking spaces and facilities, making it possible to work remotely while staying in American Samoa
Tips & Warnings
- Internet censorship is limited in American Samoa, but some websites and services may be blocked or restricted
- Blocked sites include some torrenting and streaming services, which are not available in American Samoa
- VPNs are recommended to protect against cyber threats and ensure secure and private browsing
- Roaming alternatives such as eSIMs and mobile hotspots are available, but they can be expensive and unreliable
- It is recommended to purchase a local SIM card or use a prepaid plan to avoid high roaming charges
- Cybersecurity is important in American Samoa, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves against cyber threats, such as using strong passwords and keeping software up to date.