Project Title:
Salamatof Tribe Affordable Broadband Access and Future Infrastructure Planning
Funding Program:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Project Purpose/Type:
This dual Broadband Use and Adoption and Planning, Engineering, Feasibility, and Sustainability project will assist Alaska Natives living on the Kenai Peninsula in gaining immediate access to broadband services and equipment by providing affordable access. Access to broadband services enables Tribal members to utilize telehealth, telework, and distance learning opportunities while promoting digital inclusion efforts. The planning study will analyze and provide solutions for best use of previously awarded Tribal spectrum, partnering with stakeholders to design and engineer a future broadband infrastructure project.
State(s):
-
$1,062,352.40Funding Amount
Specific activities to be funded under this grant include:
- Subsidize broadband service to Tribal members where it is commercially available, but currently cost prohibitive.
- Purchase devices and software for Tribal members to facilitate access to education, telehealth, and telework opportunities.
- Hire or retain a project manager and technical expert to provide system planning and design for future regional broadband infrastructure deployment projects.
A well-developed and documented solution for future broadband infrastructure deployment for Salamatof Natives in addition to immediate access to broadband services for Tribal members for up to one year.
The Tribe’s proposed service area encompasses over 24,000 square miles of the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The affordable broadband program aims to provide internet service to 350 Tribal households at 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload minimum speeds.