Project Title:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Funding Program:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Project Purpose/Type:
This duel Broadband Use and Adoption and Planning, Engineering, Feasibility, and Sustainability project will assist eight Tribal governments of the Ahtna region in developing programs and resources to address COVID-19 pandemic-related concerns and build capacity to use broadband services. This project is expected to enable broadband adoption activities, including, but not limited to, telehealth, distance learning, telework, and workforce development. Additionally, the Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission will plan a community broadband roadmap, create partnerships, strategize network sustainability options, and create a future project plan for increased broadband connectivity within the region.
State(s):
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$717,017.00Funding Amount
The Broadband Use and Adoption activities include:
- The creation of workshops, webinars, and literature stimulating broadband adoption activities and increasing digital literacy.
- Deliver remote learning, digital inclusion, and workforce development programs.
- Subsidize internet service costs for 50 Tribal households.
- Provide 20 lender tablets and 20 lender computers for Tribal governments, workforce training, or Tribal households.
The Planning, Engineering, Feasibility, and Sustainability Studies activities include:
- The creation of a planning team that will assess communities' broadband gaps and needs, engage stakeholders, evaluate broadband technology and service options, create an organizational model, and create a project plan for 2.5 GHz spectrum implementation.
This project will create educational curriculum for broadband adoption activities, telework and remote learning opportunities, and develop future plans for 2.5 GHz spectrum implementation.
The project intends to benefit eight Tribes within the Ahtna region living in 10 separate communities.