Project Title:
NHBP Tribal Broadband and Use Project
Funding Program:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Project Purpose/Type:
This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to upgrade existing local fiber optic infrastructure that currently serves Tribal government offices, Tribal businesses, and community anchor institutions in addition to 35 Tribal households. Upgrades to Tribal government offices, community anchor institutions, and households will assist Tribal members in gaining better access to telehealth, distance learning, and economic and workforce development in addition to digital inclusion efforts.
State(s):
-
$1,205,764.00Funding Amount
This project proposes the following activities:
- Increase existing circuits from 2Gb to 6Gb at no charge to Tribal households, providing speeds up 100Mbps download and upload. Tribal government speeds will be maintained 1Gb for government functions and the operation of a guest network;
- Procure software for ISP management to maintain network for residential service areas;
- Purchase and install broadband equipment to upgrade service area cellular and public address communication systems;
- Purchase software and licenses for broadband equipment functional use; Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, Box.com;
- Upgrade existing network firewalls and security measures; and
- Conduct annual penetration testing of network.
The project’s expected outcome aims to improve broadband capacity for one Tribally owned business and 11 community anchor institutions. Additionally, 35 previously underserved households will gain better broadband service and access. Tribal members will be better equipped to undertake broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, telework, workforce development, and increase digital inclusion efforts.
The beneficiaries will be the 35 Tribal households that reside within the service area as well as the Tribal government that employs approximately 200 people across 18 different departments.