Pago Pago, American Samoa — March 08, 2010 — Today, Governor Togiola Tulafono announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded American Samoa $558,000 for broadband mapping and $500,000 for broadband planning. The Office of the Governor in American Samoa, with the American Samoa Department of Commerce, has partnered with BroadMap to create a broadband availability map and to measure current high-speed internet access coverage for American Samoa.

The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) has allotted $7.2 billion for the development and expansion of broadband nationwide, $350 million of which is set aside for the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA) to enable states and territories to develop granular and transparent broadband serviceability maps.

"We’re working to build a broadband coverage map in hopes of extending the benefits of greater broadband access for the people of American Samoa to help them improve their lives," said Governor Togiola. “When more people of our island community as well as the businesses of the Territory can take advantage of improved access to information through faster connections to the Internet, they will then be able to seek more opportunities in education, health, and commerce offered online.”

BroadMap’s experienced team will incorporate multiple sources of location data and feedback from the American Samoa’s community anchor institutions – schools, medical facilities, community centers and more – as well as information from broadband service providers to build the broadband serviceability map.

Added Governor Togiola, “As we build the broadband service map for American Samoa, it is also our hope that we will see more and more jobs being created along the way.”

BroadMap aggregates critical data from local and national sources and conducts independent verification processes to create and provide the most complete, accurate and up-to-date maps available. BroadMap believes it is essential to provide states and territories with the information they need to extend broadband connectivity to everyone, empowering local communities and businesses. BroadMap is headquartered in Glen Allen, Virginia and has offices in Lebanon, New Hampshire. www.broadmap.com



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