What's Happening?
Hawaii has received federal approval to allocate nearly $149 million towards expanding high-speed internet access across the state. This funding, part of the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, supports Hawaii's Connect Kakou
initiative, which aims to provide affordable and reliable broadband service to every island. The approval allows the state to transition from planning to the construction and deployment phase. The initiative, led by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, involves a collaboration between public and private partners, including the University of Hawaii and Hawaiian Telcom. The project will target approximately 7,000 unserved or underserved locations, with 82% receiving fiber-optic service and the remainder served by low-Earth-orbit satellite technology. The announcement was made at the Pacific Telecommunications Council's annual conference in Honolulu.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of high-speed internet in Hawaii is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide, particularly in remote and underserved areas. By improving internet access, the initiative is expected to enhance educational opportunities, healthcare access, and economic development across the islands. The involvement of major companies like Google and Amazon highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving comprehensive connectivity. The project also positions Hawaii as a key telecommunications hub in the Pacific, with new subsea cable systems enhancing long-haul capacity and reliability. This development is crucial for Hawaii's economic growth and integration into the global digital economy.
What's Next?
Following the federal approval, Hawaii will proceed with the construction and deployment of the broadband infrastructure. The University of Hawaii Broadband Office will oversee the implementation and finalize contracts with service providers. Public information sessions will continue to inform residents about the initiative. Additionally, the state anticipates receiving more than $320 million in federal broadband and digital equity funding over the next five years, further supporting its digital infrastructure goals. The ongoing projects, including Google's subsea cable systems, are expected to become operational next year, enhancing Hawaii's connectivity with the rest of the world.
