Project Title:
Chenega Broadband Connectivity Program
Funding Program:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Project Purpose/Type:
The Native Village of Chenega is located on a remote Alaskan island, accessible only by air or ferry. The village lacks access to important digital infrastructure, with no current Internet service with speed of 25/3 Mbps or greater for its residents. The goals of the proposed project are to (1) utilize existing infrastructure to bring Chenega out of their “unserved status” in terms of broadband service, (2) provide fiber to all anchor institutions, and (3) encourage broadband adoption and use by sponsoring broadband service and equipment for each household, business, and anchor institution.
State(s):
-
$500,000.00Funding Amount
Project activities will include planning, permitting, materials procurement of contractors and equipment, construction, project testing and controlling, turnkey training, and grant reporting.
Chenega’s project aims to serve residents by the end of 2022 with the proposed solution, but the community has selected this solution for its ability to be scaled and integrated with evolving advanced services over time with 5G technology. Once fiber is available to the community, the existing infrastructure and equipment can be utilized to readily accept it.
- Outcome 1: Implementation of timely, effective, affordable, and readily available broadband infrastructure on Tribal lands that will be Tribally owned and controlled supporting Tribal sovereignty.
- Outcome 2: Upon completion and set up of the Tribally owned broadband infrastructure, the community will gain access to a level of connectivity they have never experienced. The outcomes of this connectivity may not be seen immediately, but we anticipate the benefits of broadband access will be evident in improved health services, educational resources, economic development, and social connections within 12 months of deployment.
The Chenega Broadband Project seeks to support residents, community services, and businesses with improved and affordable digital connectivity to promote remote access to distance learning for students, telehealth services through its clinic, and expanded economic opportunities. This project will serve 27 homes and five businesses/anchor institutions with 25/3 Mbps service.