He talked about the broadband project in the CNMI during the meeting with the development planners for the Northern Islands resettlement and redevelopment program.
Camacho, who is also the governor’s special assistant for disability policy and programs as well as public transportation, also gathered inputs regarding transportation plans for the Northern Islands.
Camacho said broadband connection through wireless or satellite capability can work in the Northern Islands.
Former Rep. William S. Torres, consultant for the upcoming Northern Islands Resettlement and Redevelopment Summit, asked Camacho to include in his CNMI broadband report the interest of the Northern Islands for the project.
He said although the Northern Islands are not included in the study and survey of the broadband project, it should be mentioned that the northern frontier is interested in it.
Torres said communication is very important not only for emergency and evacuation alert purposes but also to promote a distance learning program.
“People in the remote areas are interested. The distance should not be a disadvantage for those who want to continue to learn. Through distance learning, the population can pursue their education,” he said.
As special assistant for public transportation of the newly created Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority, Camacho also shared some views regarding the federal requirements on transportation services.
Torres, for his part, disclosed the intent of a Guam-based sea transportation business to provide hovercraft services in the CNMI, which may include the Northern Islands.
Camacho said One Economy Corporation was awarded American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for the CNMI Broadband Mapping, which is “a process of community engagement and community outreach, geared around listening to local residents about their attitudes toward broadband rather than to explain what the advantages and benefits of broadband are.”
The grant required the U.S. Department of Commerce to develop and maintain a comprehensive, interactive and searchable nationwide map of existing broadband available from providers through each state and territory.
Torres said the Northern Islands mayor’s office will submit relevant information to One Economy Corporation regarding resettlement plans, the timeline, and its interest in broadband internet.
