New Bill Calls for High-Speed Fiber Optic Cable Linking U.S., Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria: Report Due in One Year

The new legislation directs the Secretary of Commerce to produce a report within one year, analyzing the feasibility, cost, and potential benefits of laying a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable. This cable would connect the contiguous United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. The primary goal? To bolster digital and national security while exploring potential economic boosts.

Deep Dive: What's on the Line?

The report will specifically assess several key areas:

• Security and Economy: How this cable could enhance digital security, national security, and create economic opportunities for all connected regions.
• Infrastructure Check-Up: Evaluating the current state of submarine cables linked to the U.S. Virgin Islands, including their lifespan and security.
• Trusted Partners Only: The bill emphasizes using "trusted entities," which are defined as those not posing a risk to U.S. national security or the safety of its citizens, referencing criteria from the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. This could limit which companies and countries can participate.
• Data Center Potential: Assessing the possibility of establishing a high-security data center and cloud services facility in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This center could potentially handle communications for U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, and other national security needs.
• No Forced Data Handover: The Secretary of Commerce cannot force any entity to provide data for this report. It will be unclassified, though a classified annex is possible.

Real-World Ripple Effects

Imagine faster, more secure internet for businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands, allowing a local entrepreneur to compete globally with ease. Or consider improved communication capabilities for U.S. military operations in Africa, enhancing coordination and response times. These are the kinds of potential impacts this bill could enable.

For example, a small business owner in St. Thomas could see significantly improved internet speeds and reliability, making it easier to connect with customers and suppliers across the globe. Meanwhile, improved connectivity between the U.S. mainland and Africa could streamline operations for companies with a presence in both regions, whether they're in finance, logistics, or manufacturing.

Hurdles to implementation.

Building and maintaining a trans-Atlantic cable is a huge undertaking. The bill, therefore, requires a thorough examination of the lifespan of the cable, and the readiness of the telecommunications infrastructure. The bill also excludes "not trusted" entities, which could limit the pool of potential partners and potentially increase costs.

The Big Picture

This bill is about more than just faster internet. It's about strategic positioning in the digital age. It touches on national security, economic development, and international relations. While focused on a specific infrastructure project, it speaks to broader questions about how the U.S. positions itself in an increasingly interconnected world. By requiring this assessment, Congress is taking a step towards understanding the long-term implications of such a significant technological investment. The focus on "trusted entities" also signals a cautious approach, prioritizing security in a world where digital infrastructure is increasingly a geopolitical battleground. The report will be the first step in determining whether this ambitious project is a viable path forward.