Project Title:
Application for Broadband for the Kotzebue IRA
Funding Program:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Project Purpose/Type:
This Broadband Use and Adoption Project will address the affordability of broadband services for Kotzebue IRA Tribal members via the member owned OTZ Telephone Cooperative. The project will use grant funds to improve access and use of broadband services for Tribal residents, businesses, and community anchor institutions expanding telehealth and distance learning opportunities as well as economic and workforce development.
State(s):
-
$2,500,000.00Funding Amount
The project will implement five activities aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by the Tribe within the service area, currently suffering from a severe lack of broadband access:
- Offer an income tiered broadband service plan for current customers;
- Offer 12 months of free, unlimited broadband service to new customers;
- Provide up to $700 reimbursement for broadband service equipment for Tribal members seeking workforce development;
- Establish a customer service position to facilitate grant implementation; and
- Allocate remaining grant funds as a bill credit to all customers who maintain service, until the excess funds are exhausted.
The project’s expected outcome is to improve broadband access to reliable services, expanding broadband adoption activities. These activities include telehealth, distance learning, and economic and workforce development in addition to digital inclusion efforts.
The beneficiaries of this project are the estimated 949 households that reside within the service area as well as Tribal businesses and community anchor institutions.