Project Title:
Knik Tribe Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Project
Funding Program:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Project Purpose/Type:
This project proposes to expand broadband use and adoption within the Tribal service area and address the specific broadband needs of approximately 15,000 Tribal members through the completion of a “barrier to access study” and needs assessment to gain insight into current broadband availability and understand how Tribal members currently use broadband (if at all), as well as provide information on what programs the Tribe offers or will offer that could increase adoption. Additionally, the project will fund a feasibility study and pre-construction planning towards the establishment of a broadband network access control (NAC) training center to serve as a broadband business incubator for entrepreneurs and Tribal business expansion.
State(s):
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$500,000.00Funding Amount
Specific activities to be funded are the planning, engineering, and curriculum development requirements for increased broadband use and adoption by members of the Knik Tribe, future development of broadband infrastructure deployment planning for middle and last mile connectivity to unserved and underserved Tribal members within the Tribe’s service area, and conceptual design for a future Knik Tribe Broadband Training Facility.
Outcomes and deliverables of the project will be completion of a comprehensive broadband plan for the Tribe, as well as the development of an applicable training program for Tribal members. Ultimately, the Tribe foresees a new training center building on their land in Palmer, curricula that meet the Telecommunication Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP) standards, and at least 235 trained and certified technicians. This is a long-term educational facility and will provide trained technicians for years to come. Other potential outcomes and deliverables may include the creation of a telecommunications joint venture in which the Tribe has a gateway and Internet exchange in Talkeetna, Alaska, at least fifty trained and certified gateway/Internet exchange monitors, and joint fiber assets. The Tribe will be full participants within the telecommunication service industry, not just as recipients of subsidized service but also as owners.
The beneficiaries of the project are the members of the Knik Tribe.