Hagåtña, Guam — Today, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, announced that Guam has been awarded $2.5 million through the Digital Equity Competitive Grant program. This funding is part of a nationwide effort, which allocated over $369 million today to advance digital skills and inclusion across the country.

This latest award builds on previous successes, including a $2.1 million Digital Equity Capacity Grant received by Guam in late 2024. That funding will be instrumental in expanding digital services across the island, benefitting key community anchor institutions such as Guam’s mayors’ offices, the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA), and the Department of Youth Affairs (DYA). These initiatives have laid the groundwork for enhancing community access to technology and providing critical resources to underserved populations.

Today’s award announcement represents a major step forward in Guam’s commitment to closing the digital divide and ensuring that all residents have equitable access to technology, education, and essential government services. The funding will support initiatives developed by the Guam Office of Infrastructure Policy and Development (OIPD), in collaboration with the Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) and the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID).

Acting Governor Josh Tenorio stated, “This grant award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams at OIPD, DRT, and DISID. It is a significant investment in the future of Guam, providing critical resources to improve accessibility, support our most vulnerable populations, and build a more inclusive digital environment for everyone in our community.”

He added, “Guam’s first-ever Digital Equity Plan laid the foundation for this achievement, and today’s announcement reinforces our commitment to innovation and progress. These funds will ensure that underserved communities, including persons with disabilities, have the tools and opportunities to thrive in a digital world.”

Key projects funded by the grant include:

Enhancing Accessibility: Upgrades to the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) websites to improve accessibility, incorporate multilingual support, and streamline online services.

Mobile Service Units: Deployment of mobile units to increase community access to Real IDs and driver’s licenses, ensuring greater convenience and reach to remote areas.

Accessible Digital Hub: Establishment of an Accessible Digital Hub to serve as a central point for digital training, resources, and support. This includes employing Digital Navigators and developing inclusive curricula to improve employment and educational opportunities for persons with disabilities and other intersecting populations.

This award builds on Guam’s Digital Equity Plan, approved by NTIA in 2023, which emphasizes the island’s dedication to leveraging technology to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

For more information about Guam’s digital equity initiatives, please contact Broadband@guam.gov

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