Guam
Federal Program Officer Visits Guam
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Pacific Territories Federal Program Officer (PT FPO) visited Guam with a primary goal to focus on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Digital Equity initiatives. During this visit, the PT FPO engaged with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including local Internet Service Providers (ISP), various government departments, government leadership, and educational institutions like schools and libraries.
The main purpose of these meetings was to strategize and collaborate on efforts to strengthen broadband infrastructure, expand Internet access to underserved areas, and promote digital literacy and inclusion in Guam. These discussions revolved around tailoring solutions to Guam's unique needs and challenges in the digital landscape.
A core theme of the visit was the commitment to Internet for All, underscoring the dedication to ensuring that every resident of Guam has access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet services. This commitment aligned federal resources and programs, administered by NTIA, with Guam's digital development objectives.
The visit served as a valuable platform for stakeholders to come together, exchange insights, and jointly address specific obstacles and opportunities related to digital equity and broadband deployment on the island. These collaborative efforts contributed to the advancement of Guam's digital connectivity and fostered a more inclusive and digitally empowered community.
Guam Secures $383,000 Grant to Boost Affordable Connectivity Outreach
On August 18, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that Guam was awarded $383,000 as part of its Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program (ACP Outreach Grant Program). This initiative aims to amplify outreach efforts to enhance awareness about and encourage participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) among eligible low-income households.23
The ACP Outreach Grant Program operates under the umbrella of the $14.2 billion ACP FCC benefit initiative, designed to assist states and territories in furnishing affordable Internet service to eligible low-income households, addressing their needs for work, education, healthcare, and more. The ACP Outreach Grant Program formed an integral component of the diverse range of measures used by the federal government to tackle the digital divide. These measures are part of the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth’s (OICG) overall strategy to connect everyone in America to high-speed Internet.
23 While the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stopped accepting applications in February 2024 and anticipates the end of the program in Spring 2024 due to lack of funding, OICG wanted to recognize the importance of the program’s impact in States and Territories in 2023.