Approximately 1,340 previously unserved or underserved homes and 175 community anchor institutions will soon have broadband connectivity after the Government of Guam signed agreements with GTA and IT&E to expand high-speed internet service.
The effort, called the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, is led by the Office of Infrastructure, Policy and Development and brings together federal agencies, community stakeholders and internet service providers.
"Every resident deserves access to the opportunities that reliable internet service makes possible," Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said. "These agreements are the result of years of planning, collaboration, and determination."
Nearly $5 million in federal and private investment is going toward "closing the digital divide," the governor's office said, with funds expanding internet access to education, telehealth, public services, economic opportunities and emergency communications.
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio described the phase as a move from "vision to action," saying connectivity "creates opportunity for more of our residents to have the tools, services, and information they need, regardless of where they live."
"Public-private partnerships play an important role in addressing infrastructure needs that benefit our entire island," said Andrew Gayle, GTA chief operating officer.
"IT&E is honored to have been selected to lead the BEAD program for Guam," said David Gibson, IT&E CEO. "This initiative is more than infrastructure; it is about ensuring every resident has access to reliable, high-speed connectivity that supports education, healthcare, business, and opportunity."
Officials noted Guam's strategic location as a global undersea fiber optic hub and said the BEAD initiative will incorporate typhoon-resilient infrastructure given the island's position in "Typhoon Alley."
