Federal Program meets with Territory Broadband Offices at the Territorial Climate and Infrastructure Workshop 2023
The Pacific Territories Federal Program Officer (PT FPO) participated in the 2023 Territorial Climate and Infrastructure Workshop (TCIW), hosted by the Department of the Interior (DOI). This significant workshop brought together Territory Broadband Offices (TBOs) from Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, along with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) PT FPO, and addressed critical issues related to climate and infrastructure in the Pacific Territories.
A primary focus of the TCIW was the discussion of broadband connectivity in these territories and how two key initiatives, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity Programs, could play pivotal roles in achieving the overarching goal of Internet for All. The PT FPO and TBOs held in-depth conversations regarding strategies to enhance broadband infrastructure, extend Internet access to underserved regions, and promote digital literacy and inclusion.
The workshop served as a collaborative platform where the PT FPO and TBOs shared insights, experiences, and best practices related to broadband deployment and digital equity efforts specific to their respective territories. By aligning their efforts with BEAD and Digital Equity Programs, the TBOs aimed to leverage federal resources and support to make high-speed Internet more accessible and affordable for all residents in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.
The TCIW provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to work together toward the common goal of ensuring equitable access to the Internet, particularly in the context of addressing climate challenges and infrastructure needs in the Pacific Territories. The discussions and collaborations during the workshop are expected to drive progress and positive outcomes in the realm of broadband connectivity and digital inclusion for the communities in these territories.
Federal Program Officer Starts First of its Kind — Weekly Broadband Brunches for Pacific Territories
The Pacific Territories Broadband Offices representing Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands held several Broadband Brunch meetings with the PT FPO to provide a weekly platform to discuss and share issues and concerns they might have around federal funding. This meeting was by necessity a “brunch” to accommodate the significant differences in time zones for the various territories; the meeting took place at 8 a.m. for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, 11 a.m. for American Samoa, and 6 p.m. for Washington D.C., the headquarters for NTIA.
After several months of success with weekly Broadband Brunch meetings, the idea expanded to include all of the island stakeholders, including Internet Service Providers (ISPs), carriers, nonprofits, and government entities. These weekly meetings continued providing a great opportunity for everyone to collaborate and share ideas, concerns, and thoughts.