GTA launches fiber network initiative, works on $30M USDA project

Faster internet services for residents and businesses are being pushed through federal grants and efforts from private telecom companies like GTA.

Company representatives touted the 1G speed of their fiber optic network, during a recent launch ceremony where they confirmed it to be a “multi-million project” but did not provide exact figures.

Jon Nathan Denight, vice president of marketing, GTA, responds to media questions during a press conference. Photo by Althea Engman

Fiber connection is already available to about 20% of the island. Maina, Hagåtña, Barrigada, Adacao, Ypao Road area in Tamuning, and the Payless Supermarket area in Dededo, have fiber connection already. Work is ongoing in Apotgan, Tamuning and in Astumbo and Ypaopao in Dededo, according to GTA leadership. Work at all villages is expected to be completed by 2027. 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.

“This multimillion-dollar project is strictly funded by GTA,” said Jon Nathan Denight, vice president of marketing for GTA.

The telecom recently was awarded a federal grant for a separate project. “GTA won a $30 million US Department of Agriculture grant to connect homes in (southern Guam), which is set to start construction by the end of this year,” Denight confirmed.

The U.S. ReConnect Program grant funds the construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.

GTA also introduced WiFi 6 and the Plume HomePass WiFi app built in that company representatives said ensures “subscribers can use all that speed” with the new fiber connections. Once GTA fiber is available in an area, GTA internet customers will automatically be eligible for the upgrade without additional cost.

GTA’s investment on infrastructure includes a 2022 purchase of three licenses worth $16.6 million for FCC 2.6GHz Band during a 2022 auction. Docomo Pacific Inc. won three licenses for $1.3 million and PTI Pacifica Inc. (of which IT&E is a subsidiary) won nine licenses for $17.7 million.
Looking forward, GTA has partnered with the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub to host a free two-day summer workshop on June 6 and June 7, focused on coding and robotics. The workshop is designed for children aged 12 to 16 at the beginner or entry level who are interested in coding. In addition, students will be introduced to 3D printing, sustainability, and the circular economy. mbj

GTA launches fiber network initiative, works on $30M USDA project