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Welcome to the American Samoa Broadband Coordination Office 

 

The Broadband Coordination Office is dedicated to driving the digital future of American Samoa. Our mission is to expand and enhance broadband access across the territory, ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive in a connected world.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Broadband Funding: We actively pursue and manage funding opportunities to support broadband initiatives that benefit the people of American Samoa.

  • Infrastructure Development: Our team works to implement innovative strategies for building broadband infrastructure to achieve universal internet access across the territory.

  • Affordable Connectivity: We champion policies that prioritize accessibility, affordability, and reliability, ensuring that high-quality broadband services are within reach for all communities.

Together, we aim to bridge the digital divide and empower American Samoa with the tools to succeed in the modern age.

Stay Connected! 

BEAD Program

Broadband Equity Access and Deployment

The Broadband Coordination, Opportunities, Redevelopment, and Deployment (BCORD) Office is excited to announce the launch of the American Samoa Broadband Map, initiating the American Samoa’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Subgrantee Selection process. This phase comes after the approval of American Samoa’s Challenge Phase results by the grantor, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the United States Department of Commerce. 

The American Samoa Broadband Map identifies Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs) eligible for BEAD funding. Locations are classified as unserved, underserved or Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) which are based on internet speeds for each location. The map divides these BSLs into 17 Project Funded Areas and includes 41 CAIs and a total of 7,654 BSLs across the territory.

April 2, 2025           Release Broadband Map

April 15, 2025          Broadband Map Comment Period Opens

April 30, 2025         Broadband Map Comment Period Closes

                                   BEAD Pre-Application Opens

May 30, 2025         BEAD Pre-Application Closes

June 2, 2025           BEAD Pre-Application Review Period Opens

June 13, 2025          BEAD Pre-Application Review Period Closes

June 16, 2025          BEAD Application Opens

August 1, 2025        BEAD Application Closes

August 4, 2025       BEAD Application Review Opens

BEAD Subgrantee Selection Process Important Dates:

American Samoa Broadband Serviceable Location Map

American Samoa's Map of NTIA Approved Broadband Service Locations (BSLs) and Community Anchor Institutes (CAIs).  ​To view the map at full screen click here.

Broadband Map Resources:

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Project Funded Area Summary
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Digital Equity Program

APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED

Applications Open:

January 14, 2025

Applications Closes:

March 7, 2025

Application Review Period:

90 days
For information about your application please contact Digital Equity Coordinator Gloryana Akapo at gloryana.akapo@gmail.com

American Samoa Launches the Digital Equity Grant Program, 

Empowering Organizations to close the Digital Divide

The American Samoa Department of Commerce’s Broadband Coordination Office (BCORD) is pleased to announce the launch of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance digital inclusion opportunities within the territory, ensuring more equitable access to technology and the internet. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded $2.1 million to BCORD to support this effort.

 

This subgrantee program provides funding to eligible local organizations, such as non-profits, community-based groups, and local government agencies.  The funds are to be used to  create innovative projects that promote digital literacy, increase internet access, teach cybersecurity and empower underserved communities in American Samoa. 


Organizations are invited to submit applications starting January 14, 2025, through March 7, 2025.

Need Direct Support? Please email our team at bcord@doc.as.gov with any questions.

Comprehensive Guidance Materials:

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. 

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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, and has been awarded $2.1 million to implement Digital Equity activities.

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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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Other Resources:

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