Guam's BEAD proposal for universal broadband access approved

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Guam is among the 18 states and territories whose final proposals for internet-for-all projects received the green light from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment program, or BEAD.

"We are delivering the Benefit of the Bargain through the BEAD program that best serves the interests of the American people," U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said.

"After stripping away burdensome rules and regulations and wasteful requirements, taxpayers will save billions in unnecessary costs while connecting those in need to high-speed broadband through the full spectrum of broadband technologies," he added.

Officials said the NITA's approval represents a significant step toward improving internet access across the island and lowering costs for families and small businesses.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said Guam’s BEAD projects will bring resilient fiber to almost 1,400 homes that still lack reliable service, deliver gigabit fiber to 175 Community Anchor Institutions, and provide satellite coverage to areas previously unreachable through other forms of broadband service.

“This investment is long overdue, and it signals that Guam’s needs are being heard at the national level. These projects strengthen our economy, improve public safety, and ensure our people can thrive in the digital age,” she added.

In August, the Office of Infrastructure Policy and Development announced that GTA TeleGuam, IT&E and Starlink are the provisional awardees of subgrants under the BEAD program, representing about $5 million investment into the island’s telecommunications infrastructure.

These funds were earmarked for the deployment of buried fiber to connect eligible unserved and underserved homes and community anchor institutions.

According to the governor's office, GTA’s project, which will provide fiber connection to eligible families, will roll out in stages across multiple villages, with service becoming available as segments are completed.

IT&E will deliver gigabit-speed fiber to 175 community institutions, including schools, clinics, libraries, senior centers, and public safety facilities. These upgrades will provide faster, more dependable service for telehealth, distance learning, emergency response, and other essential public functions.

SpaceX will provide Starlink service to areas where geography makes traditional infrastructure difficult. The satellite-based system allows for timely activation, offering homes in these few locations a more dependable connection for work, school, and communication.

The governor's office said Guam will award $1.82 million in BEAD deployment subgrants, supported by $3 million in matching funds to be contributed by participating providers.

"These investments reflect a strong public–private partnership that expands the reach of federal funding and moves more projects forward without increasing costs to Guam taxpayers. A cybersecurity monitoring project of $500,000 is also part of the approved plan," the governor's office said.

Officials said Guam has several other BEAD-supported projects under federal review.

"The Broadband Office continues to work closely with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to ensure that Guam’s deployment support funds are aligned with federal standards and well-positioned for approval," the governor's office said.

Officials said a significant share of Guam’s BEAD award is still awaiting federal clearance for use and our goal remains the same. More deployment subgrant details will be shared as program deployment progresses, following the required NIST review and final federal clearances.

“This work is about giving every family and every village a fair shot,” said Leon Guerrero. “Better broadband means better opportunities—for learning, for health, for business, for safety, and for connection. This is a milestone for our island’s future, and it brings us closer to a Guam where possibility isn’t limited by geography.”

Deployment will begin upon execution of final subgrant agreements. NTIA-identified locations from Yigo to Chalan Pago, as well as CAIs such as mayors’ offices, are included. Other areas are being addressed through separate federally funded broadband initiatives. 

With an approval of Guam’s final proposal, the next phase includes coordination with federal and local partners on deployment, workforce capacity, permitting and infrastructure planning.

“For families on Guam, this isn’t just about faster streaming. This is about our kids finishing their homework without losing connection,” Guam Del. James Moylan said.

“Our island pays some of the highest costs in the nation for internet that is too

often slow or unreliable,” Moylan said. “We must make sure that this next phase delivers results, and that every village—from Yigo to Humåtak—gets connected with service our people can count on.”

Other U.S. jurisdictions approved were American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Louisiana, Wyoming, Iowa, Georgia, Arkansas, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, South Carolina, North Dakota, Hawaii, Montana,  Rhode Island and Virginia.

The NTIA said the 18 final proposals to deliver universal broadband access will save approximately $6 billion.

"The Trump Administration is on track to deliver universal connectivity in the United States once and for all, with huge cost savings for the American people," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth.

"The final proposals approved today show that the Benefit of the Bargain reforms are working and that our focus on results and strong oversight is paying dividends for communities across the country," Roth added.

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