Project Title:
MHA Nation Tribal Broadband Project
Funding Program:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Project Purpose/Type:
The project consists of designing the deployment of a wireless network with two RAN sites. The network will provide services focused on residential, business, and institutional users. Broadband services of 25/3 and 50/10 will be offered, meeting and exceeding the minimum speed thresholds established by the FCC and in this NTIA Broadband initiative. Under the Project, the Tribe will gather the partners, assessments, and data needed to create the Broadband Infrastructure Deployment plan and business implementation plan for the Reservation. The Tribe will perform assessments of the capacity of the Reservation and partners to support infrastructure broadband projects after the first year. MHA Nation will conduct planning, design, and engineering studies, including an Infrastructure Survey and an NEPA environmental assessment, and will identify partners and all needed permitting so that the Tribe has a shovel-ready broadband deployment plan within one year of funding.
State(s):
-
$500,000.00Funding Amount
The project proposes the following activities:
- Objective #1: Complete need-finding and market analysis, as well as vet vendors for the deployment of the network.
- Objective #2: Create and implement Tribal Infrastructure Broadband Deployment Plan for Future Installation of a wireless network serving Twin Buttes and Mandaree.
- Objective #3: Conduct NEPA Environmental Assessments to meet the requirements of the BIA for future broadband installation on Tribal lands. Ensure cultural preservation with Tribal Historic Preservation Office for protection and preservation of any cultural artifacts that may be encountered to remain in compliance with National Historic Preservation Act. Utilize both studies to inform the next phase of future Broadband Infrastructure Deployment.
The Project will include a compliance and impact review plan. This will include the objective to establish rules and progress metrics for measuring project success. The study will also establish a plan going forward which will allow progress to continue into the next phase of broadband installation.
The deployment of the proposed broadband network infrastructure will bring affordable and reliable broadband services to MHA Tribal members enabling the performance of basic day-to-day activities at home. Broadband connectivity will foster civic development, education, remote work, and a general improvement to the quality of life at MHA.