Billions of federal dollars are being invested nationwide to expand Internet access and Guam is securing its share. An innovative program is aiming to deliver internet access to over 1,00 homes and over 100 community institutions.

The Broadband Equity, Access And Deployment program (BEAD), was created under the Biden Administration to deliver reliable internet access nationwide, including here on Guam. With a total allocation of $156 million, the Office of Infrastructure Policy and Development plans to deploy $5M toward establishing buried fiber technology for 1,367 homes and 175 community anchor institutions such as schools, mayors’ offices, and health centers in the island’s northern and central villages.

OIPD director Melissa Bettis says GTA, IT&E, and Starlink were tapped as provisional awardees, telling KUAM News, "We went through the process of a Special Award Condition (SAC) meeting with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). So, we were cleared, the SAC was lifted following our meeting. That allowed us to let the provisional awardees know and to put our draft final proposal out for public comment for seven days.”

Bettis says expanding Guam’s buried fiber technology is the key to securing Guam’s network resilience , with further hopes of routing power from substations to core telecommunications sites and underground cable landing stations. “The more underground infrastructure that Guam has, the better, because as you know, we have strong typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural disasters," she stated.

She adds that national security advancements are also in focus, noting, “We’re just working to make Guam’s system the most resilient it can be.” The director also is ensuring that environmental safeguards are built in, saying, “We actually put an RFP out for a consultant for all of our environmental services that will assist the awardees with getting permits and making sure that all the environmental compliance is there.”

And while BEAD aims to connect as many residents as possible, Bettis says some still face barriers. “There are people that have homes with no power or they can’t afford internet service. That is why we really put an emphasis on getting our community anchor institutions served with that fiber service," she said. “We want to make sure that everybody, regardless of their circumstance, is able to fully take advantage of online services for education, telehealth, or a number of things.”

Remember, submit your feedback on the project by September 1 by emailing broadband@guam.gov.

Your voice will be critical in deciding how Guam builds a stronger, more connected future.