Amata Highlights NTIA’s Approval of American Samoa’s Proposal for BEAD Broadband Funds
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announcement of the approval of the Final Proposals from 15 states and three territories, including American Samoa, to deliver universal broadband access through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This is the next major step in the process toward upcoming disbursement of American Samoa’s federal BEAD funding, established at over $37.5 million ($37,564,827.53).
Congress secured funding for the BEAD Program in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which Congresswoman Amata supported publicly throughout its consideration by Congress. She initially welcomed the beginning of this BEAD funding effort in 2023.
“I strongly supported this infrastructure funding and the bipartisan law that created this program, and initially announced the beginning of this funding process in 2023,” said Congresswoman Amata. “It’s great to see another major step in place to invest in our islands’ broadband and infrastructure. Congratulations to our entire American Samoa Government team and thank you to the administration of Governor Pulaali’i and Lt. Governor Pulumataala for ensuring successful completion of the requirements expected by the Trump administration. These technology and infrastructure projects will boost our American Samoa economy and our young people’s education opportunities.”
The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion federal grant program that aims to connect every American to high-speed internet by funding partnerships to build infrastructure. In June 2023, NTIA announced allocation amounts for all 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia. States and territories then developed their proposals to use their allocated funds for eligible purposes, such as:
- Planning for the deployment of high-speed internet, including conducting research, collecting data, outreach, and training
- Deploying or upgrading internet infrastructure in unserved or underserved areas, or improving service to community anchor institutions
- Installing internet and Wi-Fi service in multi-unit residential buildings
- Internet access, adoption and use programs
- Workforce readiness programs to meet the needs of the infrastructure programs
- Other activities that increase meaningful use of constructed infrastructure, at the discretion of the Assistant Secretary.
Announced Tuesday, the States and Territories approved by NTIA include Louisiana, Wyoming, Iowa, American Samoa, Georgia, Arkansas, Delaware, Guam, Maine, New Hampshire, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, South Carolina, North Dakota, Hawaii, Montana, Rhode Island, and Virginia. And, one state, Louisiana, has signed its award amendment, allowing the state to access BEAD funds to begin delivering broadband to its constituents.
In June, NTIA issued the BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice (RPN), which removed extralegal regulatory burdens and implemented critical reforms to lower costs, speed up deployment, and ensure all technology solutions were considered. States and other Eligible Entities had until Sept. 4, 2025, to comply with the RPN and conduct an additional subgrantee selection round that delivered the Benefit of the Bargain for American taxpayers. NTIA then committed to reviewing these proposals and approving them within 90 days. Currently, 53 of the 56 states and territories have submitted Final Proposals.
“We are delivering the Benefit of the Bargain through the BEAD program that best serves the interests of the American people,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “After stripping away burdensome rules and regulations and wasteful requirements, taxpayers will save billions in unnecessary costs while connecting those in need to high-speed broadband through the full spectrum of broadband technologies.”
“The Trump Administration is on track to deliver universal connectivity in the United States once and for all, with huge cost savings for the American people,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. “The Final Proposals approved today show that the Benefit of the Bargain reforms are working and that our focus on results and strong oversight is paying dividends for communities across the country.”
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus on expanding broadband internet access in America, maximizing the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.
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