ABOUT SAMOA
Infrastructure
ELECTRICITY
The Electricity supplier in Samoa is the Electric Power Corporation (EPC). The maximum capacity supplied by the hydroelectric power stations depends on the amount of rain and water available for generation. The total hydroelectric installed capacity is about 11.95MW, however this capacity is rarely achieved due to the continued decrease of water available for power generation. Electricity (240 volts) is accessible to all consumers.
Power-points can accept three-pronged plugs as used in Australia and New Zealand.
 For general enquiries, please contact the EPC:
- Customer Service
Electric Power Corporation
PO Box 2011
Apia SAMOA
- Telephone: (+685) 65400
Email: info@epc.ws
Website: www.epc.ws
Tariffs
Domestic Consumers:
- 01 - 50 kilowatts units @ SAT0.58 sene/kilowatt unit
51 - 200 kilowatts units@ SAT0.69 sene/kilowatt unit
201+ kilowatt units @SAT0.83/kilowatt unit
Non-Domestic Consumers:
- SAT$0.69 sene/kilowatt unit
Procedures to Obtain Electricity for Investors
The investor must hire a licensed electrical contractor or electrician. We recommend an electrician with an unrestricted license to undertake the electrical wiring works.
- The electrician is required to come to EPC and fill in a wiring permit in order to obtain permission to proceed with the required wiring installation.
- The connection fee is SAT$120.00.
- If the installation site exceeds 50 metres from the nearest EPC pole, the extra length of service line will be charged to the consumer. In addition, when an extension of the main power lines and transformer are required the Corporation will carry out a survey. The consumer will then be informed of the cost and conditions shortly thereafter.
- Once payments of the above costs are made the required work on the lines can proceed.
- When wiring of the installation is completed and the permit is signed by the electrician, the EPC inspectors will carry out an inspection of the wiring. Electricity will be provided when the wiring complies with the required standard.
Note: It is highly advised that investors arrange for a reliable back up system to be used during unexpected electricity faults.
Applications should be directed to:
- General Manager
Electric Power Corporation
PO Box 2011
Apia SAMOA
- Telephone: (+685) 22261
Email: epcgm@samoa.ws
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TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Samoa's communication network is as good as in any developed country with excellent telephone and internet connections to any part of the world any time of the day or night.
A landline telephone service is available throughout the country via private and public phones, and cellular/mobile telephone service is available throughout the islands of Savaii and Upolu.
The internet can be accessed from almost anywhere; through the hotels as well as several internet cafes. The gradual roll-out of broadband will ensure Samoa remains at the standard of any developed country in the world.
Landline Network
SamoaTel provides Subscriber Dial (ie: ISD) facilities for long distance telephone, facsimile and telex calls. Local telephone services are provided by SamoaTel Ltd.
SamoaTel has the following fees for installation of phone lines:
Residential:
- Setup Fee: $53.33
Monthly Charge: $9.09
- Extension Lines:
Setup Fee: $26.25
Monthly Fee: N/A
Business:
- Setup Fee: $75.56
Monthly Charge: $13.33
- Extension Lines:
Setup Fee: $39.37 (PABX: $39.37)
Monthly Fee: N/A (PABX: N/A)
Requests for further information, or for applications for the provision or alteration of telephone, fax, business systems or data services, should be addressed to:
- Customer Services
SamoaTel Limited
Chief Post Office
Apia SAMOA
- Email: customerservice@samoatel.ws
Website: www.samoatel.ws
Mobile Networks
Mobile phone networks are provided by Digicel and SamoaTel (through their GoMobile service). Coverage for both networks is widely available throughout Upolu and Savaii islands.
Digicel:
For information on Digicel services:
- Customer Service
Digicel
Vaimea
Apia SAMOA
- Telephone: (Local) 123
Telephone: (Overseas Landline) 800 3444
Email: customercaresamoa@digicelgroup.com
Website: www.digicelsamoa.com
GoMobile:
For information on GoMobile services:
- Customer Service
SamoaTel Limited
Maluafou
Private Bag
Apia SAMOA
- Telephone: (+685) 60000
Email: customerservice@samoatel.ws
Website: www.samoatel.ws
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INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS
There are 3 Internet service providers in the country and information regarding their services can be obtained from the respective addresses:
CSL (Computer Services Ltd):
- The General Manager
Computer Services Ltd
Lotemau Centre
Private Bag
Apia SAMOA
- Telephone: (+685) 20926
Email: csl@csl.ws
Website: www.csl.ws
LeSamoa Ltd:
- The General Manager
LeSamoa Ltd
PO Box 1487
Apia SAMOA
- Telephone: (+685) 20181
Email: info@lesamoa.net
Web: LeSamoa.net
Internet Pasifika Samoa Ltd:
- The General Manager
Internet Pasifika Samoa Ltd
PO Box 6113
Apia SAMOA
- Telephone: (+685) 29919
Email: info@ipasifika.net
Website: www.ipasifika.net
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WATER
All urban and coastal land areas have access to water with only a few interior areas in which water is currently not accessible. The Samoa Water Authority (SWA) is responsible for the installation and connection of water to all households and commercial factories. Applications to obtain water supply must be submitted to the SWA and must include the following details:
- Consumer's name and address
- Location plan showing premises and existing services
- Type of use: domestic or non-domestic
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Applications are only valid if the appropriate authority is obtained from landowners as noted below:
| Land Type |
Consenting Authority |
| Customary Land: |
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment |
| Public Land: |
Samoa Land Corporation or Samoa Land Board |
| Freehold Land: |
Copy of Certificate of Title Lot Number or Confirmation letter from the Sub divider |
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All applications must be addressed to:
- Customer Relations Officer
Samoa Water Authority
PO Box 245
Apia SAMOA
- Email: info@samoawaterauthority.com
Website: www.samoawaterauthority.com
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Updated: 16 June 2008
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