Policy Brief | Digital Infrastructure in the Territories

This policy brief examines the strategic digital infrastructure opportunity facing the United States’ inhabited territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The brief explores how data centers, internet exchange points, middle-mile fiber, energy resilience, and local cloud capacity can strengthen territorial connectivity, reduce dependence on distant mainland systems, and support broader economic and emergency resilience.

The brief provides a practical framework for federal policymakers, territorial leaders, broadband offices, utilities, investors, and infrastructure stakeholders seeking to evaluate where digital infrastructure can be built responsibly and effectively. It emphasizes that data centers are not a standalone solution, but can become valuable assets when supported by reliable power, redundant fiber, streamlined permitting, workforce development, cybersecurity readiness, and clear community benefit.

Particular attention is given to island-appropriate strategies that improve service reliability, reduce latency, protect critical systems, support public-sector modernization, and help territories move from digital dependence toward stronger, more resilient participation in the U.S. digital economy.