For many of us, going online is second nature — checking emails, streaming content or joining virtual meetings without a second thought. But for too many residents in rural and remote areas of Hawaii, secure and reliable high-speed internet remains out of reach. This digital divide has real consequences, widening the gap between those with access and those struggling to stay connected.
Keiki may miss out on remote learning opportunities or online research for homework. Kupuna who lack transportation may not be able to access telehealth appointments, a critical option given Hawaii’s shortage of medical specialists. Others trying to work from home face unreliable connections that make it hard to meet job demands. Even local businesses — stores and restaurants — struggle to complete online transactions without sufficient bandwidth and may turn away customers unable to pay with cash.
The good news: Hawaii is among the first states to receive federal funds to address these disparities. Through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, or BEAD, program — part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — $45 billion nationwide is dedicated to ensuring every community has reliable broadband. Despite changes in federal policy, BEAD remains focused on expanding broadband infrastructure.
Last month, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved $30.6 million of the $149 million in BEAD funds designated for Hawaii. Our state is one of only 15 states and three U.S. territories, including American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, to receive this support. These funds will enable mostly fiber-optic expansion to replace outdated copper cables and intermittent microwave technology, which are vulnerable to weather disruptions. Fiber will also reach community anchor institutions such as schools, libraries and health care facilities, which serve as hubs for internet access.
The University of Hawaii, which administers federal infrastructure funds for the state, has allocated more than $64 million for “middle- mile” projects, including undersea cables to serve as a backhaul strengthening communication within and between Hawaii’s four counties. In addition, Hawaiian Telcom has received $37 million for a northern middle mile route to reach Hawaii’s most remote and underserved areas and to create more resiliency for the state. The addition of new fiber- optic backhaul networks is also critical to optimizing our communications systems for current and future needs.
As we wrap up 2025, Hawaii is on track to build a more robust, resilient “future-proof” telecommunications infrastructure. Fiber technology will support emerging applications that demand faster speeds and greater bandwidth — adding long-term value to the state’s investment. Hawaii is on the right path to improve digital accessibility and well positioned for the coming new year.
Jeannine Souki is Hawaiian Telcom’s senior manager of government and regulatory affairs. She can be reached at jeannine.souki@hawaiiantel.com.
