Project Title:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Funding Program:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Project Purpose/Type:
The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 602 unserved Tribal households, 40 unserved Tribal businesses, and 16 unserved Tribal community anchor institutions with 100/100 Mbps qualifying broadband service.
State(s):
-
$35,252,376.44Funding Amount
The project proposes the following activities designed to improve access to, and use of, broadband services among Tribal members:
- Install 235 miles of underground middle mile and last mile fiber optic cable.
- Offer workforce development and mentorship opportunities to adult learners and area high school students.
- Create 1 full time Tribal job.
This project will:
- Connect unserved Tribal households, businesses, and community anchor institutions such as schools and medical facilities to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet located in three communities – Winnebago, Thurston, and Emerson.
- Improve the overall quality of life of Tribal residents.
- Spur economic development and commercial activity.
- Create remote employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Increase the availability of remote learning and telehealth services.
- Create a Tribally-owned Internet Service Provider.
The project intends to benefit Tribal residents, educators, students, adult learners, job seekers, employers, employees, and entrepreneurs, as well as health care providers and their patients.