Guam reaches crucial step in BEAD process to bridge the digital divide

BY MELISSA F. BETTIS

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, represents a monumental step in bridging the digital divide across the United States and its territories.

With a robust $42.45 billion allocation, this initiative is designed to expand access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet in areas that have long been underserved or entirely unserved. For Guam, this program is more than an infrastructure upgrade — it is a lifeline, particularly for its most vulnerable communities.

Guam was awarded more than $156 million through the BEAD program in June 2023. Administered by the Office of Infrastructure Policy and Development within the Office of the Governor, this funding is set to bring transformative changes that go beyond laying fiber lines and erecting towers.

Guam’s strategy recognizes a fundamental truth: no matter how affordable broadband becomes, there will always be individuals who cannot afford to pay. That’s why the OIPD plans to establish a network of Wi-Fi hotspots using community anchor institutions as hubs. These locations — mayor’s offices, cultural centers, senior centers, and other community institutions where vulnerable populations gather — will provide free, 24/7 internet access, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Guam has closely followed NTIA-mandated timelines for the BEAD rollout in U.S. territories, demonstrating diligence and commitment to the program’s goals. This approach has yielded a carefully crafted broadband expansion plan, a comprehensive digital equity roadmap, strong federal alignment, and a clear path forward. The Office is currently in the middle of the BEAD Challenge Process — a vital step designed to ensure deployment funds are allocated effectively by inviting carriers and the public to validate and refine Guam’s high-speed internet service map, ensuring it accurately represents the island’s broadband landscape. This structured, stage-by-stage approach guarantees that every decision is deliberate, transparent, and thoroughly reviewed.

The need for reliable broadband was underscored in May 2023, when Typhoon Mawar struck Guam, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. As power outages and infrastructure damage crippled communication networks, residents faced challenges accessing critical services, staying in touch with loved ones, and participating in remote work or education.

Local internet service providers such as Docomo Pacific, GTA, and IT&E played a crucial role in recovery efforts, working tirelessly to repair damaged fiber lines and cellular towers. Within weeks, much of the island’s connectivity was restored, ensuring that schools, hospitals, and emergency centers could function. The experience underscored the vital role that broadband plays in Guam’s economy and the daily lives of her people, cementing its importance as an essential service.

Local ISPs have been pivotal in supporting Guam’s broadband expansion. Docomo Pacific has worked to extend fiber internet services, bringing faster and more reliable connectivity to underserved areas. GTA recently broke ground on its $29.7 million ReConnect 3 project, aimed at deploying high-speed gigabit internet in southern Guam, from Yoña to Hågat, and select areas in northern Guam, enhancing connectivity for underserved communities.

IT&E has also contributed significantly. In February, the company launched an $11.4 million project to expand broadband coverage in southern Guam, installing buried fiber optic cables and 5G infrastructure to serve historically unserved and underserved residents, businesses, and anchor institutions. In October IT&E also deployed Tarana’s G1 broadband solution to deliver fiber-class speeds without the need for extensive infrastructure. These efforts, combined with the BEAD program’s initiatives, ensure that Guam is on a path toward inclusive, robust and resilient world-class broadband access.

The establishment of Wi-Fi hotspots at community anchor institutions embodies a simple but profound idea: internet access should be a public good. For Guam, where a significant portion of the population struggles with affordability, this approach provides a critical safety net. It means that even the most vulnerable — those who may not be able to prioritize internet bills over food or rent — can still participate in the digital economy and access essential services.

The BEAD program isn’t just about wires and signals; it’s about dignity and opportunity. By ensuring that every resident, regardless of income, has access to the digital world, Guam is laying the foundation for a future where education, healthcare, and economic mobility are truly within reach for everyone.

It’s not just a program — it’s a promise, and Guam is poised to deliver. mbj

— Melissa Bettis is the director of the Office of Infrastructure Policy and Development, Office of the Governor of Guam. She can be reached at melissa.bettis@guam.gov.