Hawaii begins $149.5 million broadband expansion
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Hawaii is preparing to begin nearly $150 million in federally funded broadband projects aimed at bringing reliable high-speed internet service to rural and underserved communities across the state.
The Office of the Governor and the University of Hawaii announced Tuesday that $149.5 million in Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment funding will support projects targeting about 7,000 unserved and underserved locations. About 82% of those locations are expected to receive fiber-optic service.
According to a news release from the university, the state has finalized a contract with Hawaiian Telcom to provide fiber-optic connections to about 5,800 homes that lack modern broadband access.
The university said its Broadband Office is coordinating the effort after years of planning, community outreach and a competitive bidding process.
"Reliable, modern internet infrastructure is critical to help ensure that all of our communities have access to information and opportunities for health care, education, commerce and public safety," Gov. Josh Green said. "All of our residents benefit when we can leverage federal investments that truly complement and amplify the efforts of our local business partners like Hawaiian Telcom."
University of Hawaii President Wendy Hensel said the investment is intended to help residents and businesses remain competitive.
"The university is proud to continue to lead Hawaii's public investments in internet infrastructure that will ensure our residents and business are globally competitive for years to come," Hensel said. "Open access to information, resources and collaborations are key to enabling our residents to thrive and prosper."
The Hawaiian Telcom agreement represents the first major phase of the expansion effort and will focus on hard-to-reach communities.
"This incredible BEAD award complements our more sustainable, long-term investment," Hawaiian Telcom President Su Shin said. "We are investing $1.7 billion to make Hawaii the first fiber-enabled state in the country."