Lac Du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

The project proposes the following activities designed to improve access to, and use of, broadband services among Tribal members:

• Construct 125 miles of fiber optic cable from Fifield, Wisconsin to Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin.
• Install FTTH and customer premises equipment to connect to the Internet.
• Construct a Network Operations Center with back-up generator and solar power.
• Provide workforce development and training in soft skills and technical-specific skills through the Tribal Workforce Development and Job Training Center.

This project will:

• Provide 2,300 unserved Native American households, the Tribal Government, 25 businesses, and 19 community anchor institutions with affordable, high-speed, quality Internet access.
• Facilitate home-based businesses.
• Strengthen the economic vitality of the region.
• Broaden career and job markets in information technology-related areas.
• Establish a Tribal-owned Eligible Telecommunications Carrier.
• Create and deliver a workforce development and training program supporting individuals who pursue careers in IT-related positions.
• Increase economic diversity and partnership opportunities.
• Create 12 new jobs.
• Result in better business performance, increase K-12+ educational outcomes, improve health care access options, and facilitate greater worker productivity.

The project intends to benefit Tribal residents, students, educators, employers and employees, job seekers, entrepreneurs, healthcare providers and their patients, and Government staff.