GTA fiber coverage expands to Ypaopao Estates, other villages pending

GTA’s fiber network has reached Ypaopao Estates in Dededo.

The telecom touts this new network as providing faster and more reliable internet service to homes and businesses throughout the island over the next few years.

GTA’s direct sales agents held a community event at Paradise Estates, which is part of the Ypaopao area, on Aug. 15 to discuss fiber internet in residents’ homes.

(From left) John Dungca, direct sales agent; Jerek Paulett, direct sales manager; and Brian Kim, direct sales agent, all from GTA Guam, met with Ypaopao Estate residents on Aug. 15 to discuss options for fiber network. Photo by Skyler Obispo.

Other areas of the island already in the network, include:
• Mangilao (Adacao area excluding Latte Heights and Lemai Street);
• Dededo (Catalina Lane, Summer Vista, some parts of the Macheche, Dededo Payless and West Liguan Avenue);
• Tamuning (excluding Oka, Tumon, and Harmon Industrial Park areas);
• Barrigada (excluding Barrigada Heights, including Summer Breeze);
• Hagåtña (excluding Naval Hospital and Agana Heights areas);
• Apra Harbor (North Tipalao only); and
• Maina

Areas where work is ongoing:
• Dededo (Astumbo and Santa Barbara area);
• Tamuning (Apotgan area); and
• Andersen Air Force Base (Andersen new family housing — Santa Rosa, Plumeria, Ulithi boulevards, and Rota Drive)

GTA leadership unveiled the project in May, confirming that the project cost is in the millions. No specific amount was provided. Fiber will replace copper, including for home phone services, as that’s a part of an aging infrastructure that poses challenges especially during typhoons, a common occurrence in Guam. GTA officials have said fiber network speeds reach as fast as 1G depending on the plan. Work at all villages is expected to be completed by 2027. (To read more about the launch and the benefits of the fiber network, visit: https://mbjguam.com/gta-launches-fiber%C2%A0network-initiative-works-30m-usda-project)

Customers already under GTA’s home internet service can switch to fiber with no additional cost once their network reaches their homes or business area, GTA officials said.

Customers can check the availability of fiber in their area at gta.net/internet/guam-fiber-internet or call (671) 644-4482. mbj

Panel reflects on 50 years since Operation New Life

Scholars, community leaders, veterans, and former refugees gathered at the Guam Museum Theater in Hagåtña on July 26, for a public forum marking the 50th anniversary of Operation New Life, a massive U.S. military-led evacuation effort that brought more than 110,000 Vietnamese refugees through Guam in 1975 following the fall of Saigon.

GTA fiber coverage expands to Ypaopao Estates, other villages pending