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 and wireless technology directly connecting 5,899 unserved Native American households with 100/20 Mbps wireless service.
State(s):
Oklahoma
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$33,947,876.75Funding Amount
The project proposes the following activities designed to improve access to, and use of, broadband services among Tribal members:
- Install fiber and wireless technologies connecting individuals located in 16 Tribal communities through a 3-phased project that will lay 240 miles of fiber optic cable and construct 16 telecommunications towers that will support wireless and cell services.
- Complete a fiber loop around underserved areas of the Reservation.
- Develop partnerships to offer workforce development training opportunities in project-related careers.
This project will:
- Connect Tribal members located in 16 rural, unserved, low-income Cherokee communities in Oklahoma to affordable, reliable, and future-proofed broadband services.
- Increase telework opportunities.
- Enhance and expand educational options for K-12+.
- Offer access to telehealth care. Provide economic development and growth opportunities. Create approximately 35 jobs in project-related careers such as heavy equipment operators, fiber technicians, and construction jobs. Open-up virtual entrepreneurship opportunities. Create partnerships to provide workforce training opportunities. 100/20 Mbps speeds for wireless customers.
The project intends to benefit Tribal residents in 16 Cherokee communities located in Oklahoma, students K-12+, educators, entrepreneurs, health care practitioners and their patients, business owners, and employees.