Hagåtña, Guam – The Office of the Governor is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Challenge Process, a critical milestone in the journey to provide reliable, high-speed internet access to every resident of Guam. This achievement underscores the collaborative efforts of government leaders, service providers, community stakeholders, and the people of Guam to strengthen the island’s connectivity infrastructure.
“Today marks a pivotal step forward in our commitment to a more connected future for Guam,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “The successful completion of the Broadband Challenge Process reflects our dedication to ensuring that every resident—from Yigo in the north to Inalåhan in the south—has access to affordable, high-speed internet. This is more than a technological upgrade; it is about creating opportunities for education, healthcare, economic growth, and an improved quality of life for our people.”
The BEAD Challenge Process, part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) BEAD program, is crucial in improving broadband access. Guam was awarded over $156 million to expand high-speed internet coverage across the island. The challenge process allowed residents, service providers, and stakeholders to review and contest broadband availability data, ensuring that coverage maps accurately reflect Guam’s broadband landscape.
Administered by the Office of Infrastructure Policy and Development (OIPD), a division of the Office of the Governor, the process garnered strong participation from broadband providers. A total of 43 challenges covering 22,800 service locations were submitted, with most focusing on planned service areas. A detailed review, including network capacity analysis for License By Rule Fixed Wireless (LBRFW) technology, resulted in the approval of approximately 60% of the challenged locations. This meticulous work has enhanced the accuracy of Guam’s broadband maps, ensuring that future deployment efforts are guided by reliable data, avoiding duplication, and maximizing the impact of the BEAD investment.
“This milestone is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our government agencies, private partners, and community members,” stated Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “The validated data we’ve gathered provides a solid foundation for the implementation phase, allowing us to allocate resources effectively to areas with the greatest need.”
With the challenge process complete, OIPD will submit the results to NTIA for the Challenge Process Validation phase, which is expected to take about two weeks. Following this validation, the results will be published for public review as part of the Notice of Final Classifications on the OIPD website at Broadband.Guam.Gov.
Before allocating grant funds for network deployment, OIPD will issue a public notice at least 60 days in advance, outlining the final classifications of unserved locations, underserved locations, and eligible Community Anchor Institutions.
Looking ahead, OIPD has developed a strategic plan to bring these broadband improvements to life. The Guam Broadband Office will work with service providers, community leaders, and federal agencies to implement infrastructure projects that deliver tangible benefits to residents.
The successful completion of the challenge process will bring significant benefits to Guam, including:
- Enhanced Access: Expanded broadband coverage will enable more households to access high-speed internet, supporting remote education, telehealth, and economic growth.
- Strategic Planning: Accurate mapping ensures that resources are allocated effectively, prioritizing unserved and underserved areas.
- Economic Development: Improved connectivity will attract new businesses, empower entrepreneurs, and boost Guam’s economy.
For more information on the BEAD program and Guam’s broadband initiatives, contact OIPD at Broadband@Guam.Gov.
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