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About
CNMI-Broadband Policy & Development (BPD)
The Broadband Policy and Development (BPD) Program was established by Governor Arnold I. Palacios under Directive 2023-003 on April 24, 2023. The program is led by a Special Assistant for Broadband Policy and Development, appointed by the Governor. The purpose of the BPD Program is to improve and expand the internet infrastructure in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. We are located within the Office of the Governor and work towards developing a comprehensive broadband strategy for the Commonwealth that promotes advanced broadband network services, expands the digital economy, and supports access and affordability for residents across the islands. Our work is critical given the essential role of the internet in everyday life, particularly in
education, healthcare, transportation, emergency response, and other public services. Yet, our Commonwealth has lagged behind most of the United States in its internet infrastructure and broadband technology. To address this, we are tasked with leading the Commonwealth’s efforts to apply for federal grants and coordinate the use of broadband funding available to us.
By engaging with stakeholders both in the public and private sectors, we aim to transform our internet infrastructure, improve its reliability, affordability, accessibility, and speed. This includes developing strategies to facilitate the buildout and implementation of broadband infrastructure to achieve functionally universal broadband access for all homes and businesses in the Commonwealth.
Also part of our mission is to promote digital equity, ensuring all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our economy and way of life.
We are committed to improving the quality of life of our residents through equitable access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet, and the social, educational, healthcare, and economic benefits provided thereby.
Vision
To create a digitally connected CNMI where every resident has access to affordable, reliable,
high-speed broadband services that contribute to sustainable socio-economic growth, improved
quality of life, responsible environmental stewardship, and increased social equity.
Mission
To provide strategic direction and collaborative leadership in developing policies, programs, and partnerships aligned with the CNMI Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan that drive universal broadband access, adoption, utilization, innovation while preserving CNMI’s natural resources for future generations and fostering an equitable society.
Link to Directive Establishing BPD: https://governor.gov.mp/news/
directive-2023-003/
BEAD Initial Proposal Drafts
The CNMI Broadband Policy and Development Office (BPD) has released the Initial Proposal Drafts for the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands in accordance with the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD). These documents are available for public review. Although the public comment period has ended, if you have any concerns regarding the Initial Proposal Drafts, kindly contact us at cnmi.bpd@gmail.com.
Volume 1 & Additional Information
Public Comment Period End Date: November 26, 2023 at 4:30 PM ChST
Volume 2
Public Comment Period End Date: December 3, 2023 at 4:30 PM ChST
Action Plan
BEAD Action Plan
Digital Equity Workplan
The CNMI Broadband Policy and Development Office (BPD) has released the CNMI Digital Equity Five-Year Plan for the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands in accordance with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. These documents are available for public review and comment for a duration of 30 days. If you wish to provide feedback, kindly use our Official Public Comment Form below or kindly contact us at cnmi.bpd@gmail.com
CNMI Digital Equity Five-Year Plan
Public Comment Period End Date: April 6, 2024 at 4:30 PM ChST
Digital Equity Comment Form
Eligibility
Federal Subsidy for broadband available NOW for many residents
The federally funded Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers a maximum $30 a month discount on High-Speed Home Internet for qualifying households. The subsidy works like a “coupon” that can be applied to plans from both of our participating internet service providers.
This benefit is expected to last for 4 to 5 years. Those with Lifeline mobile benefits can also get ACP benefits.
Eligible Consumers Can Receive
Up to $30 per month discount on any Home Internet service offered by the providers. One-time discount up to $100 for a computer or a tablet when consumers enroll in the discount program.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) discount, at least one (1) person in your household must meet at least one (1) of the criteria listed:
- Participant in the Lifeline Program (no application needed, proceed to Step 3)
- Household with a child enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Recipient of Nutritional Assistance Program (NAP)
- Recipient of Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Student with a Pell Grant
- Recipient of Federal Public Housing Assistance Household
- Household of 4 earning $60,000 or less a year
- Recipient of the Women, Children and Infant Benefit
- Participant in a Home Internet provider’s existing low-income program
- Participant in Head Start (must meet relevant income qualifying standard)
Apply
How can I apply for the subsidy?
Step 1.
Check If You Qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
See if your household fits into one of the eligible categories above. If you need more information about eligibility, head to this Frequently Asked Questions page.
IMPORTANT TIP: If you have Lifeline benefits already, you do NOT need to apply for ACP. You qualify automatically, just let the Home Internet Provider of your choice know you have Lifeline now.
Step 2.
Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Have your proof of eligibility ready and navigate to https://www.affordable
connectivity.gov/ for the forms that walk you through the application process.
IMPORTANT TIP: The name on your ID document must match the name on the application and the document determining your eligibility. If you already have an Internet account, it must match the name on your ID and the application.
Step 3.
Find an Internet Provider Near You.
After you have submitted the ACP application and received approval for ACP, you can work with either one of the providers below to get internet:
IMPORTANT TIP: The maximum ACP benefit is $30 a month, and can be used for any Home Internet service plan offered by your provider.
IMPORTANT TIP: You can change Internet Providers anytime when you have ACP at no charge.
Weekly stakeholder meetings
The CNMI Broadband Policy & Development Office (BPD) through the CNMI Office of the Governor, has been established with financial support and guidance from the National Telecommunications & Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity (DE) Programs. The BPD is tasked with implementing broadband deployment, equity planning, and exploring implementation opportunities.
To create and initiate programs and projects aimed at expanding reliable and affordable broadband internet services – including promoting digital inclusion, digital equity, and enhancing digital literacy throughout the CNMI – BPD must establish multiple planning documents for both programs detailing the strategic objectives, key metrics, timelines, etc.
We would like to invite you or a representative from your organization to participate in our planning process. Our office conducts biweekly meetings to discuss and collaborate on diverse aspects of our planning documents. In order to facilitate productive discussions of this plan, we intend to host these biweekly meetings every other Friday from 3:00 – 4:00 PM.Our biweekly meetings are scheduled for May 10th and 24th, and June 7th and 21st. If a meeting date falls on a holiday, the meeting will be rescheduled to the preceding Thursday.
We hold that all stakeholders – any user of the internet – should have a voice in these decisions. Our reach includes ISPs, government entities, NGOs, non-profits, businesses, anchor institutions, and members of the larger community.
Participants: ALL STAKEHOLDERS (OPEN MEETING) – Please note that while our meetings are informal in nature they operate under one fundamental rule: Respect is paramount. Disparaging comments or attacks against fellow stakeholders will not be tolerated in these forums.
FAQs for the BEAD program can be found here: https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov
/sites/default/files/2022-06/BEAD-FAQs.pdf
Contact US
If you would like to know more about one or more of these programs, please contact us using the contact form.
