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Round-Up for the Week of April 8-12, 2024

The American Samoa draft BROADBANDiNEI Digital Equity Plan—released by the Broadband Coordination, Opportunities, Redevelopment and Deployment (BCORD) Office—reflects priorities, strategies, collective needs, and opportunities identified through local coordination with regards to providing affordable, accessible, secure, equitable, internet-for-all. The concept of BROADBANDiNEI––information Network for Expansion and Inclusion––focuses on an island-wide initiative aimed to encourage the immediate transition to all things digital equitably thereby fostering a more efficient, productive, and resilient American Samoa. The BCORD office released its draft plan with this in mind; BCORD has made this plan open for public comment until April 15, 2024.

American Samoa's Vision of Digital Equity

The vision of American Samoa’s BROANDBANDiNEI Digital Equity Plan is to ensure that all American Samoans have access to affordable, inclusive, accessible and secure resources and opportunities to become an effective part of the digital global village.

Covered Populations and Barriers to Digital Equity

American Samoa is an “unincorporated” and “unorganized” territory of the United States with a population of about 49,710 people (2020 Census), located 2,300 miles southwest of Hawaii, over 4,100 miles southwest of San Francisco and 1,600 miles northeast of New Zealand. It is “unincorporated” because not all provisions of the U.S. Constitution apply and “unorganized" because Congress has not provided the territory with an organic act, which would organize the government, much like a constitution would.

American Samoa consists of seven islands (Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega, Ta’u, Rose Atoll, and Swains Island) and is the only U.S. soil located south of the equator. American Samoa—being part of the most remote, rural and underserved non-contiguous area of America—faces many constraints in providing affordable, accessible high-speed internet for many reasons, including our geographic location, current economic structure, market conditions, lack of natural resources, physical constraints, statistical and economic data, demographic information, cultural and political considerations and global trends.

The term “covered populations” is defined in Digital Equity Act Sec. 60302(8) and includes veterans, people who live in rural areas, people with disabilities, people with low literacy, English learners, and racial and ethnic minorities, among others. 100 percent of American Samoans are considered members of covered populations due to rurality and remoteness.

Low-Income Individuals

There are 9,834 registered households in American Samoa with a median income of $28,532 (Census 2020). Issues and barriers identified include:

• Access to connected accessible devices - There are limited options for devices on the islands and the costs are high. In the 2021 American Samoa Statistical Yearbook 1,151 consumers invested in a SMARTphone compared to 1,049 cellular phones. Investment in technology such as desktops, iPad, Kindle, Notebooks, and Tablets totaled 2,494 consumers. These investments amount to 35 percent of the student population (13,372 individuals) in American Samoa.
• Samoans live in generation homes with shared access to devices, computers, and laptops.
• Convenience of mobile/portal connection or devices versus home subscription.
• Weather conditions or unrepaired cable/infrastructure disrupt connectivity.
• Digital equity will also support and deliver emergency communications through streaming and wireless platforms.
• Transportation needs to get to/from medical appointments and other obligations outweigh the need to purchase internet.

Aging Individuals

American Samoa had a population of 49,710, with 25,254 males (50.8%) and 24,456 females (49.2%). Over six percent of the population (over 3,000 individuals) is aged 65 or over and 0.3 percent is aged 85 or over. Further barriers for aging individuals include:

• The older adults in American Samoa are limited to digital skills in reference to digital equity. Digital equity will encourage home subscriptions for older adults to access social engagement, telehealth services for family members, and telework so they can remain present as caregivers.
• Issues of language barrier, reliable internet connection, affordable devices and digital skills were most relevant and pertinent. The National Council on Aging reported that 27 percent of older adults live alone.
• There are limited opportunities to engage with others virtually due to a lack of portable devices and connectivity to the facilities. Digital equity will virtually engage older adults with family members through virtual platforms, social media, and emails. Older adults are also aging caregivers to their spouses and/or family members with a disability because they cannot afford daycare services.
• In addition, Elder Fraud and Abuse have become a greater concern, especially in the digital space, as more scammers are targeting seniors who are primarily less technology literate. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, IC3 Reports & IC3 Elder Fraud Reports, over the last three years 16 percent of American Samoa victims were over 60 years old, with a loss of $162,736.

Incarcerated Individuals

The Tafuna Correctional Facility (TCF) is the only jail in American Samoa. In 2022 it was reported that TCF held an average of 292 inmates within its walls. Seven percent of the inmates were female with 93 percent being male. Empowering an incarcerated person through the existence of digital equity can enhance a successful reentry into society. Digital inclusion will respond to health, essential services, employment, education, and civic and social engagement. Barriers for incarcerated individuals include:

• American Samoa has a limited amount of attorneys. There are 89 registered members of the American Samoa BAR association. Less than 30 are actively living in the territory.
• The correctional facility currently has no computer and internet access, minimizing the chance to research the justice system, educational opportunities, and career readiness skills.

Veterans

Accessing healthcare services is one of the main barriers for veterans in American Samoa. American Samoa is home to ~1,000 veterans who are serviced through the VA American Samoa Community Based-Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) with many off-island referrals to Hawaiʻi and other states. Mental health is the primary request for local veterans. Digital equity will deliver therapy sessions to assist and respond to veterans from their homes. Challenges for veterans include:

• Veterans in American Samoa face challenges with access to VA websites (closed network), telehealth appointments, online medical or other government services to access healthcare information.

Individuals with Disabilities

The disability and aging community, ages 25 to 64, use the internet to telework, job search, or for online training. The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy found that 78.4 percent of people with disabilities have some type of home internet subscription. Broadband access from home will help to create employment opportunities, access to rural telehealth and emergency information, and broaden educational opportunities. Digital equity will also broaden and support the infrastructure of delivery of accessible emergency communications through streaming and wireless platforms. Further needs and/or barriers include:

• Access to affordable accessible devices and other assistive technology.
• Access to technical support for accessible devices and other assistive technology.
• Lack of transportation options for people with physical disabilities.
• Challenges with access to online services.
• Deaf individuals in American Samoa commonly speak Samoan. American Sign Language (ASL) does not translate directly into English, which may pose barriers for English and Samoan speakers alike.

Individuals with a Language Barrier

There are 9,834 registered households in American Samoa (96.7%) percent that speak a language other than English. Challenges for these households include:

• Ninety percent of these households speak Samoan. Samoan is the primary native language, which places the majority of students in a Limited English Proficient category. Technical support is necessary to assist students and parents in order for a learner to have a positive experience and educational career in a digital era. Students can not equally access the fundamentals of learning if digital guidance is not available.
• Limited websites or online services have been translated into Samoan and other spoken languages.
• There is generally limited technical support for devices.
• Many government programs operate only in English. Language access, including in public information campaigns, advertisements, and program enrollment processes, is a driving force in keeping residents from getting digitally connected.

Individuals who are Members or a Racial or Ethnic Minority

Ninety-five percent of American Samoa’s residents are a member of at least one ethnicity. Pacific Islanders who are Samoan, Niuean, Tokelauan, Tongan, Fijian, or of another population make up at least 88.7 percent of the total population. The Asian race makes up 5.8 percent, which includes Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Asian Indian, and other Asian residents. These individuals face barriers to accessing the internet, including cost concerns:

• Low-income households and minorities were less likely to have home internet connections. But if they did connect at home, they were more likely to rely solely on mobile wireless.

Individuals who Reside in a Rural Area

A lack of critical services in rural and isolated communities such as American Samoa limits the territory's ability to thrive as the only U.S. territory south of the equator. Rural healthcare with one hospital serving six of seven islands requires more attention with limited access. One community college to build professional capacity is limited to serve on the main island of Tutuila. Delivering rural education on three of six populated islands is challenging. Additionally, digital equity is needed to broaden telehealth services to address limited providers in rural areas. Barriers and needs for rural households include:

• American Samoa Community College and public libraries aim to recognize tablets and laptops as a learning resource for students to check out with a library card. Devices deployed across schools and public libraries will contribute to students' academic achievement.
• A lack of connectivity diminishes the attractiveness of communities for residents and businesses.
• There is poor connectivity to Manua Island due to a cut in the submarine cable.

Implementation Strategy and Objectives

BCORD has designed its digital equity initiatives in the most pragmatic way possible—to be actionable, measurable, and sustainable—rather than risk designing more ambitious initiatives that are not financially or practically actionable. Below are the office's proposed strategies and implementation plan.

Goal 1: Affordable Broadband Access

Improve the quality of life afforded through services and access to affordable broadband and internet service for covered populations.

Strategy: Conduct outreach to covered populations to provide details about affordability programs

Key Activities:

• Support outreach to covered populations to provide details about affordability programs.
• Track and maintain public-facing information on existing local, state and federal assistance-based initiatives including the Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline. This information will include eligibility requirements, how to apply, and participation rates across covered populations.
• Expand outreach to covered populations through accessible online resources; community centers; libraries; health clinics; K-12 and postsecondary schools; Spanish language pamphlets; advertisements with newspapers, radio, or television; social media; and/or related in-person events.

Strategy: Coordinate future initiatives addressing affordability to ensure that they are targeted to fill gaps in federal and local support and equitably improve access for covered populations.

Strategy: Support and promote veteran, minority, and women-owned local businesses through the use of broadband.

Strategy: Coordinate territory-wide efforts to promote digital equity including an updated household survey.

Key Activities:

• Support promotion of and outreach for digital equity programs.
• Conduct an updated household survey.
• Track and maintain public-facing information on existing local, state and federal assistance-based initiatives including the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline. This information will include eligibility requirements, how to apply, and participation rates across covered populations.

Goal 2: Responsible Governance and Strong Institutions

Develop an organizational, programmatic and technical infrastructure that includes governance, policies and regulations, collaborations, and partnerships permitting American Samoa to become an effective part of the global digital village.

Strategy: Develop a body for long-term territory-wide oversight to promote broadband availability, reliability, affordability and accessibility for covered populations.

Key Activities

• Support the establishment of a Digital Equity Advisory Panel.
• Evaluate up to 3 options for long-term public oversight to promote broadband availability, reliability, affordability and accessibility for covered populations.

Strategy: Ensure the Digital Equity plan is regularly evaluated and updated.

Key Activities:

• Identify shared tools for grantees to track outputs and facilitate data analysis to inform future improvements.
• Integrate evaluation and data collection throughout implementation to measure progress and inform strategy development.

Strategy: Strengthen disaster response capabilities and community resiliency through broadband.

Key Activities:

• Provide regular digital equity information to emergency management agencies before, during, and after a disaster event.

Strategy: Prioritize funding and investment in policies that advance digital equity.

Key Activities:

• Develop a Digital Equity Grant Technical Assistance program.

Goal 3: Technology Literacy

Promote technology literacy at all levels.

3.1: Device Availability and Technical Support

Strategy: Support the delivery of outreach and training to covered population about digital literacy.

Key Activities:

• Designate funding for digital equity programs for covered populations.

Strategy: Encourage and promote private sector efforts to increase access to devices and/or lower costs of devices through computer refurbishing, recycling and/or training.

Key Activities:

• Designate funding for computer refurbishing, recycling and/or training programs.

Strategy: Develop and maintain technical support for residents to ensure that programs using online processes can be accessed and used broadly.

Key Activities:

• Identify local organizations or programs that can provide technical support for devices.
• Designate funding to support technical assistance programs.
• Where possible, assist with establishing computer rooms to support community use and digital literacy classes.
• Collaborate with the local business community and non-profit sector to facilitate broadband connectivity for employees and clients.

3.2: Digital Skills

Strategy: Cultivate and promote efforts by the private sector and community-based organizations to provide digital skill training and technical support to covered populations.

Key Activities:

• Provide funding to offer opportunities for technical support programs.
• Promote opportunities for digital skills development classes, training and other activities to be done through outreach to covered populations.

Strategy: Establish a Territory-wide Framework for Digital Skills Attainment.

Key Activities:

• Identify best practices and provide guidance on integrating digital skill development into K-12 and post-secondary education, workforce training, and other public training and programming.

Strategy: IT/ICT Workforce Development Program for qualified IT/ICT staff or personnel.

Key Activities:

• Provide funding to offer opportunities for technical support programs.

Strategy: Support the delivery of telehealth through training for healthcare providers to support on- and off-island referral, care coordination and continuity of care for patients.

Key Activities:

• Provide funding to offer opportunities for technical support programs.

Goal 4: Cybersecurity

Enable American infrastructure.

4.1: Accessibility and Inclusivity of Public Resources

Strategy: Encourage the adoption of the BROADBANDiNEI Initiative across the Territory to ensure the information provided online meets current accessibility standards.

Key Activities:

• Provide funding opportunities to support BROADBANDiNEI initiatives to support digital transitions of public resources and services.

Strategy: Develop long-term mechanisms to continue improving accessibility and inclusivity as technology and unmet needs for covered populations change over time.

Key Activities:

• Support the establishment of a Digital Equity Advisory Panel.
• Evaluate up to 3 options for long-term public oversight to promote broadband availability, reliability, affordability and accessibility for covered populations.

Strategy: Ensure that programs using online processes for applications or to manage services are designed for maximum accessibility and also integrated as much as possible to simplify access to the public.

Key Activities:

• Provide funding opportunities to support IT programs on cybersecurity for all including covered populations.

4.2: Cybersecurity

Strategy: Promote territorial policies that govern online privacy and cybersecurity in consideration of the unique needs of covered populations.

Key Activities:

• Provide funding opportunities to support the establishment of policies that govern online privacy and cybersecurity in consideration of the unique needs of covered populations.

Strategy: Ensure that online privacy and cybersecurity educational resources are available.

Key Activities:

• Partner with public and/or private entities to make available privacy and cybersecurity education resources online.

Strategy: Cultivate and promote efforts by private sector and community organizations to provide online privacy and cybersecurity training to covered populations.

Key Activities:

• Partner with public and private entities to provide online privacy and cybersecurity training.

Strategy: Support alignment of activities with the Territory Cybersecurity Plan.

Key Activities:

• Support activities related to covered populations within the Territory Cybersecurity Plan.

Strategy: Establish an IT/ICT Workforce Development Program for qualified IT/ICT staff or personnel in cybersecurity.

Key Activities:

• Provide funding opportunities to support IT programs on cybersecurity for all including covered populations.
• Include training for industry certifications and development of testing centers.

American Samoa Wants to Hear From You

Public comments on American Samoa's draft Digital Equity Plan can be submitted here, by email at bcord@doc.as.gov, or in person at the BCORD Office until April 15, 2024. For more information on digital equity in American Samoa, visit the BCORD Office website.

Quick Bits

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• Discharge Petition to Give ACP Extension Act a Vote in the House
• Consumer Broadband Labels Now Required Nationwide at Points of Sale
• Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities

Weekend Reads (resist tl;dr)

• Broadband Deployment: Agencies Should Take Steps to Better Meet Deadline for Processing Permits
• A hard look at quality and policy from the lens of the rural internet consumer
• The Black Market That Delivers Elon Musk’s Starlink to U.S. Foes
• Committee Chairs Cantwell, McMorris Rodgers Unveil Historic Draft Comprehensive Data Privacy Legislation

ICYMI from Benton

• Digital Skills Foster Confidence in Life
• From Fear to Confidence: Women‘s Journeys Toward Digital Equity
• NTIA Making Resources Available to Help States Turn Digital Equity Plans into Reality
• A Voyage to Digital Equity in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
• Broadband Provisions in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024

Upcoming Events

Apr 17––2024 Bipartisan Tech Policy Conference (Next Century Cities)

Apr 17––Digital Equity Champions for All Learners: Partnering to Advance Digital Equity (Department of Education, ALA, Common Sense, Council of Chief State School Officers)

Apr 25––April 2024 Open Federal Communications Commission Meeting (FCC)

May 15––FCC Tribal Workshop Hosted by the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma (FCC)

May 23––May 2024 Open Federal Communications Commission Meeting (FCC)

Jun 6-7––2024 Conference on Artificial Intelligence & Financial Stability (US Dept of Treasury)

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people in the U.S. have access to competitive, High-Performance Broadband regardless of where they live or who they are. We believe communication policy - rooted in the values of access, equity, and diversity - has the power to deliver new opportunities and strengthen communities.

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