# Understanding the DiasporaLink Act

Congress is being asked to order a study about building a massive underwater cable that would carry internet and phone signals across the Atlantic Ocean. The cable would connect the mainland United States to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. Think of it like a giant fiber optic highway running along the ocean floor—the same technology that powers most international internet traffic today. The bill doesn't actually build the cable; it just requires the Commerce Department to investigate whether it's worth doing and report back to Congress within a year with their findings.

The report would examine several practical questions: How much would this cable cost to build and maintain? Would it actually work and be reliable? What security risks or benefits would it create? The study would also look at whether the U.S. Virgin Islands could host a secure data center and cloud computing facility for military and national security communications. Essentially, the government wants to understand if this project could strengthen America's digital independence and security by creating an alternative route for critical communications that doesn't rely solely on cables controlled by other countries or companies.

For most Americans, this won't have an immediate impact since it's just a study. However, if the project eventually moves forward, it could improve internet speeds and reliability for people in the U.S. Virgin Islands, strengthen national security by diversifying how America's communications travel internationally, and potentially create economic opportunities in West Africa through better connectivity. The bill also emphasizes using "trusted" companies and partners—meaning those that don't pose security risks to the United States—which reflects growing concerns about foreign control of critical internet infrastructure.

To direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Plaskett, Stacey E.

DiasporaLink Act This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to report on the feasibility of developing a submarine fiber optic cable to connect the contiguous United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. In particular, the report must assess the cost, value, and security implications of the cable.