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.
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
GTA launches fiber network initiative, works on $30M USDA project
- Date Posted: May 21, 2024
- News: Guam
-
Share this News
GTA launches fiber network initiative, works on $30M USDA project
Recommended Articles...
Guam, Pacific nations respond to tsunami threat
An 8.8 magnitude earthquake off of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30 triggered tsunami advisories, watches and warnings in Guam and across the Pacific.
Read More 
Guam bases support services company contract continues
DZSP 21 LLC was awarded a $115.95 million “cost-plus-award-fee modification to its previously awarded contract for base operations support services,” according to a July 30 release from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Read More 
Air Force awards dorm repairs after Navy secretary visit
Sea Pac Engineering Inc. of Los Angeles, Calif., was awarded a $36.88 million firm-fixed-price contract for troop housing construction, according to a July 29 release CHamoru Standard Time.
Read More 
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.
Read More