Other Broadband Projects

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.

Projects Under BroabandiNEI Initiative

5G Initiative *Complete

Manu'a Undersea Cable Repair *Complete

Digital Equity Program

Termination of the Digital Equity Act

Effective May 9, 2025, the Digital Equity Act has been officially terminated by the U.S. Department of Commerce under the administration of President Donald Trump and Secretary Howard Lutnick. This decision, communicated through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), requires that all remaining grant funds be returned to the federal government.

As a result, the American Samoa Department of Commerce, through the Broadband Coordination Opportunities Redevelopment and Deployment (BCORD) Office, must discontinue all current Digital Equity activities, including application evaluations, project planning, and stakeholder engagement under this federal program.