DOCOMO PACIFIC is Advocating for Fairness, Accountability, and Affordable Connectivity in the CNMI

Gualo Rai, Saipan (August 25, 2025)–DOCOMO PACIFIC, the regional leader in innovation, telecommunications, and entertainment, advocates for fairness, accountability, and affordable connectivity in the CNMI.

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is designed to ensure every American can access reliable, affordable high-speed internet. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) officials note that its $42.45 billion in funding will be allocated to states and territories to connect communities and create good-paying jobs. DOCOMO PACIFIC shares that vision and has invested heavily to expand connectivity in our islands.

During the recent BEAD subgrant process, the company submitted a comprehensive proposal. DOCOMO PACIFIC’s bid was about $1.78 million, yet the provisional award went to a single provider at around $31 million—more than 16 times their cost.

The company recognizes the durability and reliability of underground fiber. However, the NTIA’s June 11, 2025, policy notice fundamentally restructured the BEAD program. It voided earlier proposals and required states and territories to reopen their selection processes under a cost-focused, technology-neutral framework. The new rules prioritize the lowest total cost per location and remove the prior preference for fiber. Awarding the entire grant to a single, high-cost fiber project appears to ignore this guidance.

Competition and redundancy are essential to keeping internet services reliable and affordable. In markets with multiple broadband choices, prices have fallen, and speeds have risen. Over the past year, DOCOMO PACIFIC has twice lowered its prices and increased speeds at no extra cost, demonstrating the benefits of a competitive market. Reliance on a single provider puts the community at risk; outages can knock out ATMs, payroll systems, 911 access, phone, and internet services for days. Giving one company control of all infrastructure threatens jobs, service quality, and disaster preparedness.

For these reasons, DOCOMO PACIFIC has decided to submit a formal public comment on the BEAD subgrant decision. This is not an attempt to block investment; it is an effort to ensure federal funds are used as intended and that the selection process remains open, fair, and in full compliance with NTIA as well as local government guidelines. The company fully supports building underground fiber and expanding connectivity. They also believe the community deserves competition, redundancy, and fair pricing—not a monopoly funded with taxpayer dollars. Together, they can ensure that broadband policy in the CNMI promotes fairness, protects jobs, and delivers affordable, high-quality service to every household.

DOCOMO PACIFIC’s objective is not to obstruct progress. The consistent request has been for a fair, impartial review of all bids under NTIA’s updated guidance and in accordance with CNMI’s procurement law.

For more information on this release, you can email Jared Roberto, DOCOMO PACIFIC’s Public Relations Manager, or Brent Deleon Guerrero, DOCOMO PACIFIC’s CNMI Brand Manager, at pr@docomopacific.com.

DOCOMO PACIFIC is your locally rooted quad-play provider in the Marianas. As a wholly owned subsidiary of NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile network, we proudly invest in Guam and the CNMI, powering homes and businesses with 5 GIG symmetrical Fiber internet, 5G LTE, telephone services, and the dTV+ entertainment app. Our enterprise solutions also include Information Technology and Managed Services, FirstNet, MaxTrack Fleet Tracking, and various carrier services. Together, we’re driven by community, focused on growth, and always being by your side. We are committed to bringing you Tomorrow’s Islands, Today. Learn more at www.docomopacific.com.