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The BCORD Office was established by Governor Lemanu P.S.  Mauga via Executive Order # 007-2023 on April 3, 2023.  The key mandates of the office are to:

  • Apply for, manage, and coordinate the use of broadband funding available to American Samoa.

  • Develop strategies to facilitate buildout and implementation of broadband infrastructure necessary to achieve universal broadband access for American Samoa.

  • Develop and advocate for policies that make high quality broadband service more accessible, affordable, and reliable in American Samoa

BCORD Programs & Initiatves
"BROADBANDiNEI"

The BCORD Office is home to several programs and initiatives:

Communication Tower

ARPA - BroadbandiNEI

In 2022, the BCORD office received funding under ARPA for the initial BROADBANDiNEI initiative - which focuses on building broadband capacity in the Territory facing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and building capacity for future potential pandemics.  The $10m in funding was sub-granted to eligible entities for the improvement of broadband infrastructure, including 5G Cellular networks and domestic submarine fiber-optic cable repairs. 

Modern Interior Design

Tech Park (Capital Funds Project)

A $14.3m multi-purpose community facility to improve resources for communities that enable work, education and health monitoring. Funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury - Capital Funds Project

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Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD)

Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) or Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) - the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) set up a $42.45b fund to expand high-speed internet access.  American Samoa has thus far received $1.2m in planning funds with the announcement of an allocation of $37.56m.  The BCORD office and its partners have also released the BroadbandiNEI - BEAD 5 Year Action Plan.

Blue Cord

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is administered by the USAC with oversight from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - to provide eligible participants a discount on their monthly internet services. 

Digital Nomad

Digital Equity

Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) or Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) - the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) set up a $2.75b fund to establish three grant programs to support digital equity.  American Samoa has thus far received $150k in planning funds, with the formula grant and competitive grants to still be determined.

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American Samoa Territorial Broadband Strategy

A "living" strategic plan to help the territory create digital inclusion plans to reduce the digital divide and prioritize digital equity for its residents (2021-2026)

Broadband Resources

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Digital Nomad

BROADBANDiNEI 5 Year Action Plan Draft (Digital Equity) [Coming Soon]

Other Resources:

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