Project Title:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Funding Program:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program - Round 1
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program - Round 1
Project Purpose/Type:
The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 2,129 unserved Native American households with qualifying broadband of 1 Gbps download/50 Mbps upload.
State(s):
Alaska
-
$42,383,221.00Funding Amount
The project proposes the following activities designed to improve access to, and use of, broadband services among Tribal members:
- Build a 405-mile fiber optic cable from Dillingham, Alaska to Bethel using double-armored cable ensuring network resiliency in the harsh Arctic environment, avoiding fishing grounds and leveraging previous federal, state, and private capital already invested throughout the YK (Yukon Kuskokwim) Delta.
- Install subsea and land-based fiber and Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) to Tribal households using a hybrid-fiber coaxial system.
- Install an all-fiber connection to the nearest Internet exchange point in the lower 48 states.
- Construct backbone shelters with redundant HVAC and DC power systems providing long-term backup power.
- Interconnect middle mile fiber with middle mile microwave system for redundancy when needed.
- Partnering with Yuut Elitnaurviat, a nonprofit organization, to provide workforce development training for IT support jobs.
This project will:
- Bring reliable, affordable, and future-proofed high-speed Internet services to the Tribal residents of the Bethel, Oscarville, Eek, Napaskiak, and Platinum communities.
- Create 248 jobs with 29 jobs being Alaska Native jobs in network construction, network operations, and community customer services.
- Provide workforce development opportunities through a partnership with Yuut Elitnaurviat, a nonprofit organization.
- Supports the 4G/5G wireless network upgrade deployed by GCI Communications Corp.
- Increase economic development opportunities.
- Increase access to telehealth services, distance learning, and remote working opportunities.
The project intends to benefit Tribal residents located in Bethel, Oscarville, Eek, Napaskiak, and Platinum.