Broadband | ASDOC

Welcome to the 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.

Digital Equity Program

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

Applications Open:

January 14, 2025

Applications Closes:

March 7, 2025

Click Here to Pre-Register

Pre-Register to gain access to the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Application

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:

Digital Equity FAQs

Application Guide

Application - for Reference Only

Digital Equity

Grant Application Resources

How to Apply - Walkthrough

Session #1: Grant Application Workshop

National Digital Inclusion Alliance

BEAD Program

Broadband Equity Access and Deployment

American Samoa Broadband 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

BCORD Programs & Initiatves
"BROADBANDiNEI"

The BCORD Office is home to several programs and initiatives:

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.

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

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.

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 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)