GTA and USDA Break Ground for High-Speed Broadband

(Yona, Guam) Thursday, October 30, 2024- GTA and the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (USDA RUS) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony today in Yona, near the iconic carabao, to launch a $29.7 million project deploying high-speed broadband infrastructure to underserved and unserved areas.

The event marks the official start of the 100-percent grant investment awarded by USDA RUS to GTA under its nationwide ReConnect Program. This multi-million-dollar initiative, which is part of the ReConnect 3 phase, will enable GTA to expand its fiber infrastructure network from Yona to Hågat and selected areas in northern Guam. Upon completion, residents in these villages will receive fixed terrestrial broadband service with gigabit speeds, providing faster, more reliable internet access.

Representatives from USDA RUS, including Aylene Mafnas, Deputy Assistant Administrator, and Robert Machado, General Field Representative, joined GTA shareholders, executives, Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio, and local government officials in celebrating this significant milestone. Their presence underscores the importance of this partnership and investment in closing the digital divide and enhancing the quality of life for our nation's westernmost residents.

“We are thrilled to embark on this next chapter of connectivity for Guam,” said Roland Certeza, President and CEO of GTA. “With the support of USDA RUS, this fiber expansion will ensure that even the most rural areas have access to the fast, reliable internet essential in today’s digital age.”

For more information about GTA’s fiber expansion, visit www.gta.net.