Plaskett Reintroduces DiasporaLink Act to Establish Trans-Atlantic Fiber Optic Cable

V.I. Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett has reintroduced the DiasporaLink Act, a measure aimed at assessing the feasibility, cost, and value of constructing a Trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the United States, via the U.S. Virgin Islands, to Nigeria and Ghana. Proponents say the legislation, co-sponsored by Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-ID-1), seeks to bolster America’s national security, digital commerce, and international connectivity. According to the release, the DiasporaLink Act is envisioned as both an economic driver and a national security tool, providing high-speed internet connectivity to Africa and the Caribbean from American soil. Plaskett said the bill aims to reinforce the U.S.’s global, political, economic, and military standing while addressing regional security concerns, including political instability and transnational crime. “This bill represents an opportunity to establish high-speed internet connections to Africa and the Caribbean while safe...