Project Title:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Funding Program:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Project Purpose/Type:
The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 930 unserved Native American households, as well as businesses and anchor institutions, with qualifying broadband service 1 Gbps symmetrical speeds.
State(s):
Alaska
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$29,336,431.00Funding Amount
The project proposes the following activities designed to improve access to, and use of, broadband services among Tribal members:
- Extend the current AU-Aleutians fiber optic network project using a redundant, bidirectional design to ensure service continuity.
- Install additional submarine fiber (avoiding fishing grounds) and terrestrial fiber to 5 more Tribal communities including: Native Village of Port Lions; False Pass; Ouzinkie; Chignik Lagoon; and Chignik Lake.
- Provide FTTP connecting households, businesses, and communities.
- Construct backbone shelters with redundant HVAC and DC power systems to provide long-term backup power.
- Partnering with Kodiak College to provide workforce training, continuing education, and traditional degrees and certificates.
This project will:
- Provide up to 1 Gbps affordable and reliable Internet service to Tribal residents, consumers, students, teachers, health care providers, and their patients.
- Bridge the digital divide between urban and remote areas.
- Shorten the distance between the 5 villages by hundreds of miles, thereby significantly reducing the cost of deployment.
- Enhance regional economic development.
- Create approximately 253 new jobs in the areas of construction and IT-related careers.
- Expand access to education, telehealth, public safety, government operations, and services.
The project intends to benefit Tribal residents, students, teachers, consumers, health care providers, and their patients.