The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Broadband Policy and Development Office acknowledged the recent noti?cation from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration regarding the termination of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant award totaling $2.1 million. 

This decision follows a determination by the President and Secretary Lutnick that the Digital Equity Capacity Program, under which the grant was issued, is unconstitutional due to concerns about impermissible racial preferences in grant administration. 

The CNMI BPD notes they fully understand and respect the concerns raised by President Trump and Secretary Lutnick regarding the constitutionality of the Digital Equity Capacity Program. 

They have also affirmed the rationale behind this decision and agree that any program with potential impermissible racial preferences must be carefully reviewed.

From the outset of our engagement with NTIA, the CNMI has consistently advocated for digital equity, meaning equal opportunity for every resident of Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands, without exclusion or classi?cation based on race or any other factor. 

The Digital Equity 5-Year Plan prioritizes all residents as rural inhabitants under NTIA’s de?nitions, ensuring a constitutionally sound and inclusive approach. 

BPD remains focused on bridging the digital divide in the CNMI through lawful and executive initiatives. In anticipation of potential legal scrutiny, BPD had already recognized that the Digital Equity Capacity Grant awarded in December 2024 could be subject to review this year.

A letter has been submitted to the Department of Commerce, suggesting that these funds be redirected to universal programs that align with the Trump Administration’s priorities and were part of our original plans, including:

  • Workforce Development in Emerging Technologies: Training all CNMI residents for careers in AI, cybersecurity, and other in-demand digital ?elds.
  • Universal Digital Literacy Initiatives: Equipping every resident with essential digital skills.
  • Broadband Access Expansion: Strengthening infrastructure to provide affordable, reliable broadband service to all communities.

Importantly, this termination does not affect the $81 million awarded to CNMI under the NTIA’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program.  

The BPD is 100% federally funded and has secured six federal grants in the last two years, totaling over $100 million.