Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Glennallen

Alaska

$717,017

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. 

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. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Alaska Federation of Natives Broadband Use and Adoption Consortium Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

N/A

Alaska

$35,102,141.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes a consortium consisting of 73 Alaska Native Tribal governments, Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), and tribal organizations to reduce barriers to broadband usage among Native Alaskans by providing broadband-enabled devices, subsidizing broadband service, and implementing digital skills and workforce training. It will also seek to improve health care access among tribal communities by equipping Alaska tribal health partners with the equipment and training needed to offer telehealth services.

The project will implement seven activities aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by Alaskan Natives preventing broadband adoption and use:

• Conduct needs assessments and surveys among target populations to determine challenges and local needs;
• Distribute broadband capable devices through partner organizations;
• Design and implement a training program to build digital skills and familiarity with broadband resources and technology among Alaskan Native populations;
• Implement a workforce development program to train individuals for future careers in the IT field;
• Train and deploy 10 “Circuit Riders” to serve as technicians for local communities, maintain program resources, and provide expertise and training related to broadband technology;
• Provide a broadband subsidy between $75-150 a month to support broadband affordability for Alaskan Native households. Alaska Federation of Natives will work with eligible recipients to ensure that they sign up for the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program’s $75 monthly subsidy for those living on Tribal lands and will provide an additional subsidy of up to $150 per month where necessary. AFN has developed safeguards to prevent duplication of funding, which it has committed to implementing if it receives a TBCP award, in accordance with TBCP Specific Award Condition 14 (No Duplication of Federal Funding); and
• Equip local tribal health care facilities with various telehealth enabled devices and train local health aides in accessing telehealth resources and services.

Increase access to broadband service that is currently lacking due to cost or remoteness of location. Address the lack of broadband devices and required basic training community-wide. Increase local skills and training that will allow communities to develop their workforce and increase employability of Alaskan Natives. Equip local health providers with the training and equipment to improve healthcare access and outcomes through telehealth.

This project will serve 62 Alaskan Native communities or ANCs, provide subsidized Internet service for an estimated 2,777 Alaskan Native households, provide broadband devices to an estimated 8,877 individuals, and employ and train 10 IT technicians.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program 

Bethel

Alaska

$42,383,221.00 

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 2,129 unserved Native American households with qualifying broadband of 1 Gbps download/50 Mbps upload. 

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

• Build a 405-mile fiber optic cable from Dillingham, Alaska to Bethel using double-armored cable ensuring network resiliency in the harsh Arctic environment, avoiding fishing grounds and leveraging previous federal, state, and private capital already invested throughout the YK (Yukon Kuskokwim) Delta. 
• Install subsea and land-based fiber and Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) to Tribal households using a hybrid-fiber coaxial system. 
• Install an all-fiber connection to the nearest Internet exchange point in the lower 48 states. 
• Construct backbone shelters with redundant HVAC and DC power systems providing long-term backup power. 
• Interconnect middle mile fiber with middle mile microwave system for redundancy when needed. 
• Partnering with Yuut Elitnaurviat, a nonprofit organization, to provide workforce development training for IT support jobs. 

This project will: 

• Bring reliable, affordable, and future-proofed high-speed Internet services to the Tribal residents of the Bethel, Oscarville, Eek, Napaskiak, and Platinum communities. 
• Eliminate the digital divide in these communities. 
• Create 248 jobs with 29 jobs being Alaska Native jobs in network construction, network operations, and community customer services. 
• Provide workforce development opportunities through a partnership with Yuut Elitnaurviat, a nonprofit organization. 
• Supports the 4G/5G wireless network upgrade deployed by GCI Communications Corp. 
• Increase economic development opportunities. 
• Increase access to telehealth services, distance learning, and remote working opportunities. 

The project intends to benefit Tribal residents located in Bethel, Oscarville, Eek, Napaskiak, and Platinum. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

GCI Communications Corp. will design, construct, and operate the network. 

Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation 

Browning 

Montana 

$33,235,003.92 

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 4,482 unserved Native American households with fiber to home service at speeds ranging from 50/5 Mbps to 250/25 Mbps w/100 millisecond latency. 

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

• Engage in a multi-phased approach to this infrastructure project in 11 service areas of approximately 437 route miles of underground feeder and distribution fiber, and about 214 route miles of service drop cable. 
• Will upgrade broadband infrastructure by replacing outdated copper-based technology with FTTP high capacity, high density Gigabit Ethernet Internet access to each household and business. 
• Install new customer premises equipment in each household and business. 
• Complete engineering and network design using route mapping. 
• Obtain permits regarding environmental, cultural, and historical assessments. 
• Replace all electrical systems in the central office, remote huts/cabinets, and customer premises equipment. 
• Install 6 equipment shelters with generators.  

This project will: 

• Create approximately 25 jobs in IT, project management, technology support, and compliance. 
• Expand opportunities in e-commerce, telemedical services, entertainment, distance learning, e-government, and agriculture. 
• Increase economic development opportunities including job growth and creation. 
• Provide opportunities to be globally competitive. 
• Improve the overall quality of life for Tribal members. 

The project intends to benefit Tribal residents, students, educators, employees and employers, as well as those in need of telemedical services. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

Siyeh Communications will provide program management and implementation. 

Cabazon Housing Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Project

Indio

California

$320,346.40

The project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 17 unserved Native American households with qualifying broadband service.

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

• Installing 5,400 linear feet of a 12 strand-SM fiber Optic Cable from an existing connection point to the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians (CBMI) Reservation known as “Tribal Housing”. Activities include construction and underground installation of the cable in existing right of ways in the city of Coachella and on the CBMI Reservation.
• Install underground fiber drops to individual Tribal households along with all necessary equipment to establish services.
• Negotiate agreements with service providers for Internet access at Tribal Housing.

Provide access to telemedicine for all Tribal members and elders. Provide distance learning and educational access for all and the ability to work from home for those unable to return to work. Currently, all five elected Tribal Council members reside in Tribal Housing and have yet to return to in person meetings and gatherings. This project would allow them to continue to safely conduct Tribal business from a remote location.

CBMI Reservation

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Cape Fox Corporation Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program - Adoption and Use

Ketchikan

Alaska

$1,901,262.82

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to address key challenges confronting the Cape Fox Corporation in developing programs and resources to address systemic and COVID-19 related concerns, building capacity to expand broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, telework, and digital inclusion efforts.

The project will implement the following activities aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by Alaska Natives within the Tribal service area:

• Purchase one year of broadband service for unserved or underserved Tribal households on the reservation in addition to broadband equipment and personal devices for each household to enable network connections;
• Purchase devices and plans for an estimated 25% of Tribal members who currently have no access to telecommunications devices;
• Conduct an assessment to better understand the needs and requirements of Tribal members and expand affordable programs focused on distance learning, telehealth, telework, and digital skills training;
• Deliver training to all 175 Tribal households on IT fundamentals and provide specialized training for broadband installation for those looking at a career in the field with the goal of targeting up to five individuals; and
• Purchase computer devices and broadband equipment for community members to support telehealth and distance learning initiatives.

The project’s expected outcome is to increase broadband adoptions by providing support for tribal households in affording broadband services and promoting telehealth, distance learning, and digital inclusion efforts.

The project intends to benefit 175 Alaska Native households, 865 individual Alaska Natives, and community anchor institutions such as education centers and health clinics.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Catawba Nation Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Rock Hill

South Carolina

$900,578.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project will provide free or reduced cost broadband service to 1,790 Native American tribal households in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The project will also enhance tribal operations and programs through improvements to tribal electrical and AV systems, as well as the provision of Zoom-enabled laptops to staff engaged in telehealth and e-commerce related activities.

The project will implement the following activities aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by the Native Americans in the Tribal service area:

• Provide broadband service to tribal households with either seniors or school age children, and a 50% service discount for all other tribal households for six months;
• Upgrade of tribal AV electrical and AV equipment to expand digital access to tribal events, gatherings, and meetings; and
• Purchase of laptops and Zoom subscriptions for five tribal employees engaged in telehealth and economic development related activities.

Provide support for tribal households in affording broadband services. Increase accessibility of tribal meetings and events. Remote work opportunities and continuity of service for tribal employees.

This project will serve 1,790 tribal households, five Tribal employees, and the wider Catawba community

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Telephone Authority Broadband Use and Adoption Project

Eagle Butte

South Dakota

$2,367,685.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to address key challenges confronting the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Telephone Authority (CRSTTA). Despite offering broadband service to 90% of 2.8 million acres of the Cheyenne River Reservation, CRSTTA’s broadband subscription penetration is approximately 58% and CRSTTA is unable to reduce its broadband service pricing. The implementation of this project will enable broadband adoption activities, including digital inclusion efforts and affordable broadband programs.

The project intends to increase broadband adoption among Tribal area residents in three ways:

• CRSTTA will offer a monthly broadband service discount up to $35 for all new and existing residential broadband subscribers for three years. It will also offer higher download and upload speeds ranging from 50/25 Mbps to 250/50 Mbps without service charge increases;
• CRSTTA will increase outreach and education efforts to inform customers about existing federal Lifeline and EBB programs; and
• CRSTTA will develop a “Digital Awareness and Training Program” to increase digital literacy among Tribal communities and households within its service area.

The project’s expected outcome is to increase the number of Tribal households and institutions to 1,732 that subscribe to broadband services as well as shrink the digital divide that exists among Tribal communities via digital literacy programs.

The project will benefit 20 different communities that reside within CRSTTA’s service area, covering 4,676 square miles of Tribal lands.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

CCT Broadband Deployment

Box Elder

Montana

$15,300,356.84

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber and fixed wireless infrastructure to directly connect 770 unserved Native American households with fiber-to-the-home with 1 Gbps/1 Gbps and/or fixed wireless to the home with 100 Mbps/20 Mbps service. 

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

• Deploy a middle-mile fiber network connecting the Chippewa Cree’s Tribal point-of-presence to a backhaul facility.
• Install approximately 51.5 miles of fiber cable to deliver qualifying service to 645 Tribal households, 20 Tribal businesses, and 25 Tribal community anchor institutions.
• Construct six communications towers to deliver qualifying wireless service to 125 unserved Tribal households located in outlying areas of the Chippewa Cree Reservation.  

This project will: 

• Expand access to remote learning and telehealth services.
• Enhance public safety by allowing the Chippewa Cree’s public safety agencies and Tribal members to stay connected during natural disasters. 
• Promote intra- and inter-Tribal communication and collaboration. 

The project intends to benefit Tribal households, Tribal businesses, Tribal community anchor institutions, and all members of the Chippewa Cree Tribe. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Pablo

Montana

$41,572,831.55

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber and wireless to directly connect 927 unserved Tribal households, 35 unserved Tribal businesses, and 22 unserved Tribal community anchor institutions with a minimum of 30 Mbps/5 Mbps and up to 1 Gbps qualifying broadband service.

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

• Install 303 miles of aerial and underground fiber.
• Deploy middle mile fiber to connect 927 unserved Tribal households with a 2.5 GHz licensed LTE wireless network.
• Deploy last mile fiber network connecting 35 unserved Tribal businesses and 22 unserved Tribal community anchor institutions.
• Construct a Network Operations Center, 1 tower, and 20 remote population locations.
• Create 3 new IT jobs to maintain and service the system.

This project will:

• Provide affordable, high-speed, reliable, and future-proofed Internet access to Tribal households with a minimum speed of 30/5 Mbps, to businesses with an average speed of 100 Mbps, and to anchor institutions with an average speed of 1 Gbps.
• Open opportunities for telehealth care services, online educational opportunities, workforce development, telecommuting, and digital and financial literacy.
• Provide an increased level of public safety.
• Support cultural preservation.
• Encourage Tribal residents and businesses to adopt emerging smart technologies.
• Establish a CSKT Tribe-owned broadband Internet service accessible to all Native households, businesses, and anchor institutions on the Reservation.
• Remove the affordability barrier and be 100% carrier-neutral.

The project intends to benefit Tribal residents, business owners, and anchor institutions such as schools, health care facilities, public safety facilities, and agricultural facilities.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Broadband Infrastructure Deployment - Network Planning Project

Lincoln

Oregon

$500,000.00

This planning study intends to fund network planning activities in order to develop a solution for broadband infrastructure connection, construction, and service deployment for currently unserved Native American households, businesses, and community anchor institutions in and around reservation land located in Lincoln County, Oregon.

Project activities in support of the planning study include:

• Recruiting a Project Manager to oversee the planning and future implementation of the broadband infrastructure deployment project. The Project Manager will be an employee of the Tribal government and oversee the entirety of the project lifecycle including the initial network planning phase that is the focus of the study as well as the subsequent broadband infrastructure construction and service deployment that results.
• Conducting a market study for Lincoln County that comprehensively analyzes the market for broadband service in the proposed service area.
• Performing an assessment of potential partners for broadband infrastructure construction and service deployment in the proposed service area.
• Conducting preliminary engineering and network design for the future broadband infrastructure construction and service deployment project.
• Conducting a financial feasibility and sustainability study to confirm that the broadband infrastructure construction and service deployment is financially stable into future years.

A well developed and documented solution for future broadband infrastructure deployment for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

The Siletz Tribe’s proposed service area covered under the study is a portion of Lincoln County, Oregon. The ultimate beneficiaries of the project are 85 unserved Native American households of which 47.4% are at or below 150% of the poverty line. The area is an unserved area as there is currently no broadband service provider offering qualifying broadband service.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Coushatta Tribal Broadband Feasibility and Design Project

Elton

Louisiana

$365,744.11

This Planning, Engineering, Feasibility, and Sustainability project will fund a comprehensive feasibility study focused on technical design, market conditions, and financial requirements to provide future broadband services for approximately 865 Tribal members.

Project activities in support of the planning study include:

• Assess the technical viability and project potential of owning broadband infrastructure as well as the creation of broadband design engineering.
• Evaluate potential partnering opportunities with third party vendors for broadband deployment and delivery of services.
• Determine financial and organizational viability and project potential of delivering broadband services.
• Analyze existing systems to understand required network and systems upgrades.

A well-developed, “shovel ready” project designed and vetted for future broadband infrastructure deployment in support of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.

The project intends to benefit 50 Tribal households on Tribal land and an additional 300 Tribal households who live on adjacent land. Tribal members are largely unserved or only have access to unstable broadband services due to high costs within their area. 52.63% of Tribal members live below the 150% Federal Poverty Level.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Cowlitz Digital Inclusion Broadband Connectivity FY2021

Longview

Washington

$7,580,563.59

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to increase broadband use and adoption among Native American Tribal citizens and community members in Longview, Washington through the implementation of affordable broadband services, distribution of enabled devices, digital literacy and skills training programs, and the launch of a Tribal platform for the delivery of tribal services.

The project will implement the following activities aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by the Native Americans in the Tribal service area resulting from a severe lack of broadband access or service:

• Conduct an assessment of needs and barriers for tribal members related to broadband affordability and device availability;
• Provide subsidies for affordable broadband service to tribal members currently without service or who need assistance maintaining their existing connection;
• Provide appropriate broadband enabled devices to those tribal members lacking a qualified device;
• Creation of digital literacy and skills building programs for both tribal members and employees; and
• Implementation of an online Tribal Portal to provide tribal services online, as well as a Digital and Health Equity dashboard to monitor and report program progress.

Increase and preserve access to broadband services that are currently limited due to cost. Increase the number of tribal households with a broadband enabled device. Reduce the digital divide through digital skills trainings for tribal members and employees. Reduce barriers to accessing broadband or telehealth resources. Create a user-friendly online resource for tribal use.

The project will serve approximately 1,125 households, 490 working age tribal members, 150 tribal employees, as well as 3,275 individuals

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Tribal Broadband Connectivity Project

Redwood Valley

California

$596,796.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to increase broadband capacity and service for Tribal households as well as Tribal government facilities and other community anchor institutions. The applicant will strengthen broadband services by purchasing and installing broadband equipment that will enable the Tribe to provide broadband service for the entire reservation. The project will also promote broadband adoption activities, including distance learning, telework, and entrepreneurship.

The project will implement six activities aimed at addressing the key challenges currently faced by Tribal members that hampers broadband service and access. These activities include:

• Provide broadband service at no cost to Tribal households for three years, purchased in full during year one of the project;
• Upgrade or purchase broadband equipment to facilitate distance learning and strengthen the capabilities of community anchor institutions;
• Build digital skills of Tribal government staff and Tribal members by hiring an IT instructor to develop and implement a Microsoft skills development course;
• Contract broadband user support services to provide end user support;
• Purchase broadband equipment and software to outfit community anchor institutions and government offices, enabling better communications between members and facilitate telework; and
• Purchase a generator with an automatic transfer switch to ensure broadband services remain uninterrupted in the event of power supply issues or natural disaster impacts on the reservation.

The project’s intended outcome is to improve broadband capacity and capabilities for community anchor institutions while expanding broadband adoption activities, including distance learning, telework, and entrepreneurship for Tribal members.

The project intends to benefit 225 Tribal members who reside in 68 housing units in addition to seven community anchor institutions and community meeting spaces.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Broadband Use & Adoption Programs for Delaware Nation

Anadarko

Oklahoma

$7,219,710.96

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to address key challenges impeding the Delaware Nation’s ability to provide broadband service and equipment for Tribal members. The project will upgrade capacity at specific community anchor institutions and provide broadband equipment and service to Tribal members focused on broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, workforce development, and digital inclusion efforts.

The project intends to execute four specific activities to address challenges within the Delaware Nation:

• Purchase broadband service and equipment for 1,000 low-income Tribal households and individuals;
• Establish a public Wi-Fi network with access points at community anchor institutions to enable Tribal members to increase broadband use and adoption through seamless connections to secure, dedicated and reliable broadband service;
• Provide Tribal households with broadband equipment to assist with telehealth programs, including specialized medical equipment; and
• Provide broadband equipment to Tribal members to assist with workforce development and distance learning.

The project’s proposed outcome is to improve broadband capacity and capabilities for seven community anchor institutions in addition to expanding broadband adoption activities for individuals, including telehealth, distance learning, workforce development, and digital literacy.

This project intends to benefit over 2,000 Tribal members grouped into approximately 1,400 Tribal households.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Fairbanks

Alaska

$50,651,548.43

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 581 unserved Native American households with fiber-to-the-home 1 Gbps/1 Gbps service.

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

• This is one phase of a 3-phase project that includes constructing a middle mile fiber optic network (under water and on land) directly supporting last mile high-speed Internet connections to 23 Alaskan Native Villages. 
• Ensure that environmental, historical, and cultural compliance regulations are met.
• Develop a workforce training program.
• Create long-term sustainability plans. 

This project will: 

• Deploy a reliable, affordable, scalable, and future-proofed broadband network bridging the digital divide for the foreseeable future in one of the most remote, isolated, high-cost, and difficult to serve areas of the United States. 
• Provide up to 1 Gbps service to 100% of project locations. 
• Create permanent jobs for Alaska Native and rural residents. 
• Bring new opportunities for distance education, telemedicine, public health and safety, and rural economic development. 
• Provide an essential tool for cultural survival acting as a hub for language preservation. 
• Connect youth and adults with culture-bearing Alaska Native Elders, mentors, and networking resources. 

The project intends to benefit residents, students, Alaska Native Elders, mentors, anchor institutions, health care providers, public health and safety entities, and small businesses. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc.

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe (FSST) Broadband Adoption and Sustainability Project

Flandreau

South Dakota

$2,477,508.60

This Broadband Use and Adoption Project proposes to provide broadband access for Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal households, businesses, and community anchor institutions in Moody County, South Dakota. The project will enable broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, and digital inclusion efforts.

The project will implement four activities aimed at addressing challenges faced by Native Americans within the Tribal service area:

• Prepay Valley FiberCom broadband service with 1Gb upload and download speeds for 5 years for 241 Tribal households;
• Secure a discounted rate from Valley FiberCom with “no data caps” for Tribal members in addition to network and equipment maintenance;
• In partnership with Valley FiberCom, develop and execute digital training sessions for Tribal members. Upon course completion, Tribal households will be able to receive personal broadband equipment; and
• Provide broadband-enabled electronic devices.

The project’s expected outcome is to improve broadband access, supporting broadband adoption activities including telehealth, distance learning, and digital inclusion efforts.

The project intends to benefit 241 Tribal households and businesses.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

FCPC Solar Broadband Project

Crandon

Wisconsin

$125,232.00

The Forest County Potawatomi Community Solar Broadband Project proposes to provide reliable broadband service to the Tribe’s critical solar arrays. This project will support economic and workforce development capacity in addition to improving the Tribe’s resilience through increased telework capabilities.

The project proposes to upgrade and improve existing broadband infrastructure to enable the delivery of higher speed broadband service to community anchor institutions located on the FCPC reservation, including the FCPC Energy Department and the Tribal Government campus. FCPC proposes to conduct the following activities:

• Install wired connections to each of the 17 generation meters on the solar arrays to provide more reliable and higher-speed broadband service and eliminate costly data transmission gaps.
• Provide real time solar PV generation data to the FCPC Energy Department supporting remote work capability as well as to provide reliable solar PV generation data that is currently vulnerable to technical failure and looming obsolescence due to insufficient broadband access.
• Hire two qualified contractors to install underground conduit and connect the Tribe’s solar arrays to tech closet facilities.

To provide reliable broadband service to the Tribe’s solar arrays driving economic and workforce development capacity and improvements to the Tribe’s resiliency by increasing telework capacity and capability.

The proposed project service area will cover several community anchor institutions located on the reservation, including one that serves as a key source of employment in Forest County, supplying over 200 jobs. Additional sites are in the Stone Lake area, which houses the FCPC Tribal Government Campus.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Gila River Indian Community

Gila River

Arizona

$4,477,345.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption Project proposes to improve access to, and use of, broadband services among Pima and Maricopa Tribal members in Pinal and Maricopa counties, Arizona. Broadband network expansion will assist in telehealth expansion, distance learning opportunities, affordable broadband service, economic growth, and digital inclusion efforts where demands for Internet access has grown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project intends to meet the following objectives:

• Fund the purchase of improved Wi-Fi capability and extend the broadband range in community homes by upgrading customers to the most advanced mobile Wi-Fi devices and subsidizing increased monthly service charges for Tribal members for one year;
• Expand the capacity of community technology anchor institutions to provide broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment, and support to Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) members;
• Support enhancements to equipment, education, and training to support broadband and digital technology initiatives; and
• Assess GRIC’s technology needs and develop a digital inclusion plan.Assess GRIC’s technology needs and develop a digital inclusion plan.

The project’s expected outcome is to expand access to broadband adoption activities, which include telehealth, distance learning, workforce development, and affordable broadband programs.

The project will expand broadband adoption and use across 580 miles of Reservation land benefiting approximately 12,000 individuals.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

Gila River Broadcasting Corp.

Gila River Telecommunications, Inc.

Healy Lake Internet Project

Fairbanks

Alaska

$500,000.00

The project proposes to construct backhaul infrastructure, access points, and distribution of customer premise equipment directly connecting 25 unserved Alaska Native households with qualifying broadband service at speeds of up to 200/100 Mbps. Additionally, the project will establish Internet connections at critical facilities in the community, including the Tribal Offices, Tribal Court, Meicey Memorial Library and computer lab, and the Health Clinic which will provide a secure location for needed telehealth and telemedicine services in this remote location.

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

• The coordination of Healy Lake Village and Digital Aurora Radio Technologies, LLC (DART) to provide upgraded broadband access to the residents and institutions of Healy Lake Village.
• The installation of a 60-foot tower to support access point and equipment necessary to connect the broadband service.
• Assembly of individual equipment kits for each home allowing each home to link to the Healy Lake Community Access Point(s) providing WiFi into each home.
• Creation of two local jobs and provision of workforce training to Tribal members.

Healy Lake Village aims to provide its Native students, college students, healthcare providers, Indian housing providers, Tribal program providers, and Native families with the tools necessary to utilize broadband technology. The goal is to improve the quality of life in the community and households to spur economic development, create jobs, establish new digital businesses, provide remote leaning opportunities, and enhance the largest telehealth program in the state. Facilitating digital inclusion, Healy Lake will train Alaska Native tribal members and community residents building future capacity.

The entire community of Healy Lake, including Tribal Government, Council, Clinic, Public Safety Office, and Library.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Hoopa Valley Tribe NTIA Grant Application Broadband Infrastructure

Hoopa

California

$65,140,407.72

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber and wireless to directly connect 1,045 unserved Native American households, 64 Tribal businesses, and 19 community anchor institutions with fiber-to-the-home with 25 Gbps/3 Gbps service, construct a Tribal data center, install a tower, and provide workforce development training. 

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

• Install a wireless backhaul solution to a tower then fiber-to-the-home. 
• Install fiber-to-the home to 1,045 unserved Tribal households.
• Construct a data center/network operations facility to house the Hoopa Valley Tribe’s IT infrastructure and network equipment.
• Upgrade networking equipment to interface with fiber network.
• Install a new carrier grade communications tower to connect the wireless backhaul from which fiber will be distributed to the households.
• Wireless backhaul fees, including leasing fees for communication towers and distribution towers.
• Upgrade network equipment in the K’imaw Medical Center including the installation of CAT6A cable that allows transmission of up to 10 Gbps to easily send and receive large files now commonly used in healthcare settings.
• Provide workforce development opportunities to train Hoopa Valley Tribe members to become broadband technicians, linemen, and fiber splicers, including Class A driver’s license training and ESRI GIS courses. 

This project will: 

• Build broadband infrastructure interfaces with the closest Internet service providers. 
• Increase access to opportunities, services, resources, and essential basic communication needs of Tribal members.
• Improve access to telework, trainings, and workforce development opportunities. 
• Improve access to remote learning and improve interaction with educational institutions and teachers.
• Increase the capacity for telehealth resources and services. 
• Promote job creation by creating 20 new construction jobs plus 3 new permanent post-project positions to support and maintain the infrastructure. 

The project intends to benefit unserved Native American households, Tribal businesses, Tribal community anchor institutions, Tribal members that participate in workforce development training, and all Hoopa Valley members that utilize Tribal services. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Flagstaff

Arizona

$13,855,000.00

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 1,076 unserved Native American households, plus 18 businesses and 6 community anchor institutions, with fiber-to-the-home with up to 1 Gbps/1 Gbps service. 

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

• Upgrade the outdated existing network and extend fiber to unserved area of Moenkopi. 
• Install 64.9 miles of last mile fiber to homes located in 12 project service areas. 
• Construct 45.7 miles of middle mile fiber from Hoteville, AZ to Moenkopi, AZ as scalable support for multiple 100 Gbps capacity links and to provide redundant Internet service. 
• Construct 2 new prefabricated equipment shelters. 
• Complete environmental studies associated with fiber deployment ensuring that all regulations are followed. 

This project will: 

• Give robust, reliable, and cost-effective Internet access, up to 1,000 Mbps, to unserved Tribal members, businesses, and community anchor institutions. 
• Provide new fiber-to-the-premises equipment at no cost to the customer. 
• Eliminate barriers to broadband connections for low-income Tribal members. 
• Create a potential fiber transport between Hopi Telecommunications, Inc., and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, extending broadband to two tribal entities. 
• Create up to 5 jobs during the project including construction and heavy equipment operator positions. 
• Create 3 permanent full-time jobs including an Outside Plan Technician, a Central Office Technician, and a Customer Service Representative. 
• Update their speed schedules from offering minimum threshold services from 4/1 to 25/3. 

The project intends to benefit: Tribal residents, students, educators, employers, employees, health care providers, and patients.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Reno

Nevada

$18,945,379.94

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install middle mile and last mile fiber and/or wireless directly connecting a total of 972 unserved Native American households and 7 Tribal community anchor institutions with qualifying broadband service across 11 Tribal service areas. Proposed service speeds range from a minimum of 25 Mbps/3 Mbps to 500 Mbps/500 Mbps or more depending on service area.

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

• Conduct a feasibility study for improved broadband infrastructure by assessing current Internet access options for Summit Lake Paiute Tribe. 
• Install fiber middle mile and last mile for Carson Colony, Dresslerville Community Council, Elko Band Council, Lovelock Paiute Tribe, Stewart Community Council, and Woodfords Community Council.
• Install wireless middle mile and last mile for Timbisha Shoshone Tribe.
• Install fiber middle mile and both fiber and fixed wireless last mile for Yerington Paiute Tribe and Yomba Paiute Shoshone Tribe. 
• Install a wireless last mile using low earth orbiting satellite to Summit Lake Paiute Tribe. 
• Install a Telecommunications Center in each of the 11 Tribes to house network equipment.
• Provide network support to each of the 11 Tribal service areas. 

This project will: 

• Provide qualified broadband services to a total of 972 unserved Native American households and 7 unserved Tribal community anchor institutions located on 11 Tribal reservations.
• Make telehealth services accessible to Tribe members. 
• Provide access to a variety of remote learning opportunities for students (K-12 and postsecondary education) and adult learners. 
• Provide access to workforce development trainings and programs. 
• Create a total of 14 new jobs. 

The project intends to benefit Tribal members of the 11 Tribal reservations of the ITCN. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

Digital Technology Solutions, Starlink, Valley Electric, CC Communications, CommNet 

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Plymouth

California

$459,000.00

This Planning, Engineering, Feasibility, and Sustainability project will fund a study to develop a comprehensive broadband infrastructure deployment plan encompassing Tribal Lands in rural Amador County, California. The Tribe intends to focus its plan on needs and gaps associated with its newly acquired 2.5 GHz license from the FCC. Future broadband infrastructure development will focus on connecting a Tribal community center, wellness center, and Tribal housing development center.

Project activities in support of the planning study include:

• Conduct analysis of current broadband infrastructure and market on Tribal lands.
• Identify and refine key goals and objectives.
• Engage key stakeholders and develop partnerships for a future broadband infrastructure project.
• Explore opportunities for increased market competition to ensure broadband service affordability.
• Develop deployment strategies for future infrastructure in support of tribal businesses and economic activities.
• Develop strategies to improve telework opportunities.
• Outline initial financial objectives for a future broadband infrastructure project.

Utilizing the feasibility analysis, the Tribe will engage with qualified firms to develop a comprehensive broadband infrastructure deployment plan that will implement a broadband network meeting the key goals and objectives of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians.

The applicant’s proposed service area encompasses over 220 acres of underdeveloped land, serving approximately 775 Tribal members. Tribal government offices reside on land within the city of Plymouth while commercial enterprises and residential housing are developing in the greater Armador County area.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Dulce

New Mexico

$6,935,801.00

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 1,051 unserved Native American households, 116 unserved Native American businesses, and 25 community anchor institutions with fiber-to-the-home 1 Gbps/1 Gbps service. 

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

• Install 55 miles of fiber both under- and above-ground. 
• Use existing power poles for most of the aerial fiber installation. 
• Install middle mile Dense Wave Division Multiplexing optical transport equipment to connect the Apache Nugget Casino (existing tower location) with JANPA's headquarters using about 80 miles of existing fiber. 
• Install and test fiber-to-the-premises equipment verifying functionality and speed.

This project will:

• Connect 1,051 unserved Native American households, 116 unserved Native American businesses, and 25 Native American community anchor institutions with up to 1 Gbps reliable and affordable Internet service. 
• Replace copper-based DSL services with state-of-the-art fiber and equipment. 
• Support the development of business and employment opportunities. 
• Create 12 construction-related jobs and 1 network support person. 
• Offer workforce development training with certification as a Telecommunication Technician available. 

The project intends to benefit: Tribal residents; employers; employees; job seekers; educators; students; healthcare providers; and their patients. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Ketchikan

Alaska

$500,000.00

The proposed project is a Broadband Use and Adoption Project that is designed to upgrade equipment for qualifying broadband services at 6 facilities owned by the Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC). These facilities are used by KIC employees to deliver health care, workforce development, education, housing, social services, behavioral health, natural resources, and other services that would benefit from improved broadband quality and accessibility. The implementation of the project is expected to enable broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, telework, and workforce development.

The project intends to upgrade equipment used by KIC to deliver broadband services. The key activities include:

• Surveying facilities for Wi-Fi availability and broadband capabilities to capture existing data transmission capabilities and determine broadband speed and capacity.
• Outfitting all 6 of KIC’s buildings with new WiFi access points and routers.
• Upgrading existing equipment and adding in cellular booster systems inside two existing buildings that have poor service, enhancing current signal capabilities to enable the Tribe’s use of broadband for telehealth, education, government services and remote capabilities for employment.
• Expanding licenses for cloud computing software.
• Establishing a Dedicated Internet Access line for the KIC Tribal Health Clinic to expand potential for telehealth and distance learning.
• Modernizing server room to accommodate and protect servers (i.e., non-water-based fire suppression service).

The project’s expected outcome is to improve broadband capacity and capability for 6 Tribal facilities to expand broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, telework, and workforce development.

The project intends to benefit over 175 KIC employees and more than 6,000 enrolled Tribal members.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Application for Broadband for the Kotzebue IRA

Kotzebue

Alaska

$2,500,000.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption Project will address the affordability of broadband services for Kotzebue IRA Tribal members via the member owned OTZ Telephone Cooperative. The project will use grant funds to improve access and use of broadband services for Tribal residents, businesses, and community anchor institutions expanding telehealth and distance learning opportunities as well as economic and workforce development.

The project will implement five activities aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by the Tribe within the service area, currently suffering from a severe lack of broadband access:

• Offer an income tiered broadband service plan for current customers;
• Offer 12 months of free, unlimited broadband service to new customers;
• Provide up to $700 reimbursement for broadband service equipment for Tribal members seeking workforce development;
• Establish a customer service position to facilitate grant implementation; and
• Allocate remaining grant funds as a bill credit to all customers who maintain service, until the excess funds are exhausted.

The project’s expected outcome is to improve broadband access to reliable services, expanding broadband adoption activities. These activities include telehealth, distance learning, and economic and workforce development in addition to digital inclusion efforts.

The beneficiaries of this project are the estimated 949 households that reside within the service area as well as Tribal businesses and community anchor institutions.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Feasibility and Design Project

Stone Lake

Wisconsin

$442,734.00

The proposed planning study will complete a detailed feasibility analysis and broadband design to determine the best way to provide broadband services to its government facilities, business enterprises, and its unserved housing units located on the Reservation.

The project proposes the following activities in support of the broadband infrastructure planning study:

• Perform an assessment of the technical viability and project potential for broadband infrastructure ownership and develop a broadband design engineering approach (technical and feasibility and engineering design)
• Perform an evaluation of potential of partnering opportunities with third party vendors for broadband deployment and services delivery (potential broadband partnerships feasibility and research)
• Determine and documentation of the financial and organizational viability and project potential for delivering broadband services (financial and organizational feasibility)
• Perform research for opportunities that would expand the adoption of broadband services in LCO Reservation (adoption and use roadmap)

Deliver a plan supporting a “shovel ready” project that has been designed, vetted, and achieved leadership and community consensus and approval. The comprehensive analysis will also inform the number of potential jobs created by a future infrastructure deployment project.

The approximately 40% of Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians with no internet service available.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Mashantucket Tribal Broadband Project

Mashantucket

Connecticut

$493,008.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project will assist 163 Tribal households, workforce development staff, and Tribal institutions in New London County, Connecticut, in developing programs and resources to address COVID-19 challenges that have impacted Tribal members. The applicant intends to provide affordable broadband service and equipment for Tribal members in addition to creating a workforce development center that will assist the Tribe’s workforce development program in training, readiness, and job placement.

The project intends to provide equipment and services for Tribal members. The key activities include:

• Fund a pre-paid 3-year Internet Service Kit (including modem and pre-paid monthly service) for 163 households;
• Purchase two Dell Education Chromebook 3100 for each of the 163 households;
• Purchase 5G Ultra-Wideband Mobile Hotspots for 163 households; and
• Purchase two laptop computers, six desktop computers, and two Wi-Fi hotspots to support a workforce development center that provides training and curricula for tribal members in broadband fields.

The project’s expected outcome is to improve Tribal members’ ability to use broadband services and increase access to telehealth, distance learning, workforce development, and digital inclusion efforts. The workforce development center will facilitate 416 classes over one year for Tribal members seeking career growth opportunities.

The beneficiaries include 163 Tribal residences and the workforce development staff. Additionally, the applicant estimates a transient daily population between 40,000 – 60,000 individuals who visit Tribal government and business entities.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Mescalero

New Mexico

$43,943,116.00

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 835 unserved Native American households, plus 336 businesses and 29 community anchor institutions such as the Boys & Girls Club, Fish Hatchery, Library, and Head Start with fiber-to-the-home and/or fixed wireless service up to 1 Gbps/1 Gbps. 

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

• Engage in outside plant design, engineering, underground and aerial construction, shelter installation, tower construction, and equipment configuration;
• Construct new middle mile fiber optic transport to Points of Presence (POP) at El Paso, TX to enable connection to the TExas Lone Star Network;
• Install fixed wireless for mobile applications to be used;
• Add 14 towers to the 7 existing towers to deploy 2.5 GHz spectrum service, provide access to cellular services, and increase access to FirstNet - a dedicated public safety network; 
• Build a new Data Center that is fault-tolerant with redundant and back-up systems. (Currently using a Tier 2 unfortified structure. Will construct a Tier 4 structure to withstand unpredictable weather (e.g., severe thunderstorms));
• Install a new Network Operations Center (NOC) within the new Data Center containing future proofed technologies; 
• Establish a 400 MHz radio system. 

This project will: 

• Provide reliable, affordable Internet access (up to 1 Gbps) to 835 unserved Native American households, 336 businesses, and 29 community anchor institutions such as the Boys & Girls Club, Early Childhood Education and Head Start programs, the Library, and the Mescalero Elderly Center. 
• Improve emergency response times. 
• Increase access to healthcare, economic development opportunities, telework, and distance education. 
• Support a new SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System) to monitor and manage 12 water systems located on the Reservation to provide clean and safe drinking water. 
• Increase participation in special Tribal ceremonial events and Tribal rituals. 
• Connect Tribal Police, Conservation Law Enforcement, Border Control, and Fire & Rescue. 

The project intends to benefit: Tribal residents; first responders; Border Control agents; Conservation Law Enforcement; educators; students; adult learners; Tribal elders; employers; employees; and job seekers.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Choctaw

Mississippi

$8,433,633.26

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber to directly connect 2,190 unserved Native American households, 86 businesses, and 60 community anchor institutions with fiber-to-the-home 105 Mbps/105 Mbps service. 

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

• Construct a 12.3-mile middle mile fiber network.
• Construct a 524-mile last-mile network to connect 2,190 unserved Native American households to qualifying service. (The Tribe will own 162 miles of the new fiber and lease 362 miles from MaxxSouth Broadband that provides local customer high-speed Internet and digital phone services.)
• Connect the fiber backbone to existing Tribal-owned fiber out of Bogue Chitto, constructing new branches to connect Pearl River, Tucker, Red Water, Standing Pine, and Conehatta.
• Upgrade the current WAN (wide area network) expanding it to 6 unconnected communities and to deliver broadband through a partnership with MaxxSouth. (The Tribe will manage the WAN.)
• Construct a new Tribal Utility Department building with equipment and furnishings. 
• Expand the Office of Engineering Services (OES) to support additional network capacity and the OES application process for becoming a designated Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC). 

This project will: 

• Connect 2,190 unserved Native American households, 86 businesses, and 60 community anchor institutions with qualifying broadband services.
• Develop capacity-building initiatives supporting Tribal homes, maximizing the positive impacts of ubiquitous broadband access.
• Provide virtual government services and resources.
• Support the OES application to become a designated ETC.
• Create 3 full-time jobs including an Information Technology Technician and 2 customer services staff. 

The project intends to benefit all unserved Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indian households, 86 tribal businesses, 60 community anchor institutions, and all tribal members that utilize public services. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

MaxxSouth: Will do construction and provide construction oversight of fiber routes. 

Narragansett Indian Tribe Broadband Program

Charlestown

Rhode Island

$2,498,250.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to increase broadband services and access for Tribal members who reside on ancestral lands in Washington County, Rhode Island. The project aims to provide distance learning capabilities and strengthen digital literacy, improve broadband speeds and affordability of services for community members, and generate workforce development and job creation. 

The project will implement four activities aimed at addressing challenges faced by Native Americans in the Tribal service area in addition to enabling better use of the Tribe’s FCC 2.5 GHz license. The key activities include:

• Purchase equipment and services to install, own, and operate high-speed fixed broadband equipment on existing infrastructure owned or lease by the Tribe that will provide better, more affordable, broadband coverage with speeds up to 1 Gbps;
• Purchase laptop computers for 258 Tribal school-age children; and
• Generate training and employment opportunities for Tribal members. Project implementation anticipates the hiring of a general manager responsible for general oversight and accountability for broadband services expansion. Additional roles include IT personnel, accounting, sales, and customer support.

Increase access to broadband service in Washington county currently lacking due to cost. Increase digital literacy and expand distance learning opportunities for Tribal members. Create a digital resource to strengthen and preserve cultural identity through a digital ecosystem, with an emphasis on digital skills development. The digital resources will also benefit the broader indigenous community who share the Algonquian language family. Develop training and employment opportunities for Tribal members that are sustained through the Tribe’s 10-year lifecycle FCC 2.5 GHz license.

The project will serve a Tribal population of approximately 3,400 individuals and specifically 700 Tribal members who attend public schools in Washington County.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Native Village of False Pass - TBCP

False Pass

Alaska

$409,311.60

This Broadband Use and Adoption project will benefit approximately 121 Federally Recognized Tribal citizens in False Pass, AK. The project will support device needs and economic relief for e-connectivity.

The project will implement two activities designed to address the lack of access to reliable and affordable high-speed broadband services and equipment:

• Provide computers acquired in bulk and distributed to 121 Tribal citizens; and
• Provide subsidies for 12 Tribal households to make broadband affordable for those who have access but cannot afford monthly bills.

The project’s expected outcomes will provide Tribal citizens with broadband equipment and services and make broadband services more affordable for community members.

The project intends to benefit 121 Tribal citizens

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Port Lions

Alaska

$29,336,431.00

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. 

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. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

GCI Communications to provide construction and serve as the Internet service provider. 

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Selawik

Alaska

$500,000.00

The Broadband Use and Adoption project will provide affordable broadband services through payment assistance programming to new and existing subscribers. The project will also provide Tribal members seeking to re-enter the workforce with qualifying connected devices (i.e., laptops or tablets). These services will be provided to improve Tribal members’ access to telehealth, distance learning, telework, and other modern economic development activities that promote economic growth and job creation in the Native Village of Selawik.

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

• Provision of payment assistance support to 79 existing broadband subscribers to improve affordability of qualifying broadband service.
• Provision of payment assistance support to 76 new broadband subscribers to improve access to qualifying broadband service.
• Provision of reimbursable credit to up to 94 unemployed Tribal members seeking to re-enter the workforce for the purchase of qualifying connected devices (i.e., laptops or tablets). This will enable participants to engage in workforce development and telework.
• Application of a payment assistance credit to existing and new broadband subscribers for funds not allocated by the aforementioned activities.

The project’s expected outcome is to promote broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, telework, digital inclusion efforts, and to expand affordable broadband programs.

The project intends to serve an estimated 155 households (845 total population) with payment assistance support for qualifying broadband service and 94 unemployed Tribal members with qualifying connected devices.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Fort Defence

Arizona

$50,830,943.87

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber, fixed wireless, and 2.5 GHz wireless networks to directly connect 20,827 unserved and underserved Native American households with fiber-to-the-home and/or fixed wireless to the home service up to 1 Gbps/1 Gbps. 

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

• Construct four 199’ self-supporting towers, five 190’ self-supporting towers, one 120’ self-supporting tower and 1 120’ monopole towers to deliver qualifying mobile (600 MHz) and fixed wireless (EBS/2.5 GHz) service to an estimated 3,464 Native American households and businesses across seven Navajo Nation tribal chapters. 
• Outfit five existing towers with the necessary electronics to provide qualifying fixed wireless (CBRS/3.5 GHz) service to an estimated 777 Native American households and businesses.  
• Construct a 195’ wireless tower to directly connect 39 unserved Native American households to qualifying service of 100/20 Mbps. 
• Install 116.5 miles of 96-count and 12-count ADSS fiber cable to provide transport to six new tower builds and to connect three existing towers, five chapter houses, two Head Start program locations, one school, and one courthouse to NTUA’s main fiber network. ADSS (all-dielectric self-supporting) fiber is strong enough to support itself between structures without using conductive metal elements. It is an economical and simple means of building a fiber optic network. 
• Deploy a GPON (Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network) system to provide qualifying service of up to 1000/1000 Mbps to 405 rural unserved and underserved Native American households. GPON distributes voice over IP, video, ultra-bandwidth for HDTV, online gaming, etc. 
• Install a fiber backbone along existing highway routes providing qualifying service to households, schools, and businesses. 
• Upgrade fiber routes to provide the Dine College Window Rock and Shiprock campuses with qualifying service of 10G and 2G, respectively; 
• Establish a 10G private Ethernet connection between the Window Rock and Shiprock campuses. 
• Upgrade fiber optic transport electronics at 14 backbone locations across the NTUA network to increase data transfer speeds from 100 Gbps to 800 Gbps. 
• Procure and install in-vehicle router/model solutions in Navajo Nation public safety vehicles to enhance mobile broadband connectivity for first responders. 
• Deploy wireless equipment to provide qualifying service to 90 unserved Navajo Nation Chapter Houses. 
• Increase LTE (long term evolution) coverage by 2,471 square miles by constructing two new LTE sites, adding LTE service to 13 existing 2G/3G sites, and adding new LTE carriers on two existing sites. LTE is a standard for wireless broadband for mobile devices and data terminals, enabling faster downloading of files.
• Establish a 10 Gbps Direct Internet Access (DIA) network to Navajo Technical University locations. 
• Co-locate FirstNet Band 14 spectrum and commercial LTE spectrum on two existing tower sites. 
• Create approximately 40 temporary jobs in construction and as right-away agents, tower installers, fiber and radio technicians, and communication engineers. 
• Create approximately 16 permanent positions including network operation agents, project managers, and project administrators. 

This project will: 

• Provide access to remote learning, telework, online health, public safety, and education programs to 20,827 unserved and underserved Native American households, students of Dine College, and all Navajo Nation residents who use public services.
• Provide broadband to help Tribal Chapters have access to new communication avenues needed to educate and access necessary information to keep healthy and safe. 
• To enhance workforce development for Tribal members.
• To enhance digital inclusion and digital literacy skills of Tribal members. 

The project intends to benefit 20,827 unserved and underserved Native American households, students of Dine College, and all Navajo Nation residents who utilize public services. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

Smith Bagley, Inc. (SBI Cellular One): will construct new LTE sites to expand LTE coverage by 2,471 square miles. 

Navajo Technical University: will establish a 10 Gbps DIA private Ethernet connection to two tribal college locations. 
Frontier Communications: will install new fiber and upgrade existing fiber to support broadband access to areas that are currently unserved or capacity-constrained. 

NTUA Choice Wireless: will install electronics on existing and newly constructed towers to provide Fixed Wireless (600 MHz) and/or 2.5 GHz EBS/3.5 CBRS connectivity to unserved and underserved households. 
Sacred Wind Communication: will deploy a GPON fiber-to-the-home system to connect rural Navajo Nation households to qualifying service and to upgrade microwave backhaul to fiber optic backhaul. 
AT&T: will expand Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (FirstNet) coverage to the Tohajiilee tribal community of the Navajo Nation Reservation. 

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Macy

Nebraska

$1,243,000.00

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 1,272 unserved Native American households with fixed wireless to the home service of at least 25 Mbps/3 Mbps. 

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

• Purchase land to construct 4 new Internet towers – 3 towers on the Santee Reservation and 1 in Bancroft.
• Install electrical and transmission equipment on towers;
• Install and connect end user equipment.
• Test tower installments and end user equipment before system acceptance. 

This project will: 

• Connect 1,272 unserved Native American households on the Santee Reservation and the Native American students in Bancroft.
• Create 5 jobs including an electrician and tower installers.
• Enhance the 2.5 GHz network by increasing services and bandwidth.
• Increase access to distance learning opportunities.
• Provide access to health care services and resources online.
• Install equipment that can handle emergency service enhancement in the future.
• Boost economic growth.
• Open-up opportunities for job seekers and entrepreneurs.
• Improve the overall quality of life for Tribal residents. 

The project intends to benefit: Tribal members; K-14 students; educators; parents and guardians; job seekers; entrepreneurs; employers; employees; health care providers; and patients. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

NHBP Tribal Broadband and Use Project

Fulton

Michigan

$1,205,764.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to upgrade existing local fiber optic infrastructure that currently serves Tribal government offices, Tribal businesses, and community anchor institutions in addition to 35 Tribal households. Upgrades to Tribal government offices, community anchor institutions, and households will assist Tribal members in gaining better access to telehealth, distance learning, and economic and workforce development in addition to digital inclusion efforts.

This project proposes the following activities:

• Increase existing circuits from 2Gb to 6Gb at no charge to Tribal households, providing speeds up 100Mbps download and upload. Tribal government speeds will be maintained 1Gb for government functions and the operation of a guest network;
• Procure software for ISP management to maintain network for residential service areas;
• Purchase and install broadband equipment to upgrade service area cellular and public address communication systems;
• Purchase software and licenses for broadband equipment functional use; Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, Box.com;
• Upgrade existing network firewalls and security measures; and
• Conduct annual penetration testing of network.

The project’s expected outcome aims to improve broadband capacity for one Tribally owned business and 11 community anchor institutions. Additionally, 35 previously underserved households will gain better broadband service and access. Tribal members will be better equipped to undertake broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, telework, workforce development, and increase digital inclusion efforts.

The beneficiaries will be the 35 Tribal households that reside within the service area as well as the Tribal government that employs approximately 200 people across 18 different departments.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Oglala Sioux Tribe Broadband Project 

Pine Ridge

South Dakota

$19,620,766.00

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to construct a last mile broadband network and install fiber directly connecting 1,821 unserved Native American households with fixed wireless to the home service of up to 50 Mbps/10 Mbps. 

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

• Deploy 15 RAN (Radio Access Network) sites, including a base station and ancillary equipment. 
• Construct eight new tower sites - six using above-ground foundations and two guyed towers constructed with guy wires to provide stability in high wind situations. 
• Deploy 10 microwave links to provide backhaul connectivity to RAN sites, including two microwave repeater sites.
• Deploy 41km (approximately 26 miles) of fiber between Pine Ridge, South Dakota and Rushville, South Dakota. 
• Deploy 149km (approximately 93 miles) of fiber connecting seven RAN sites. 

This project will help the applicant to: 

• Provide telehealth and remote learning services to tribal members. 
• Support economic development of Tribal-owned businesses. 
• Contribute to digital inclusion efforts. 
• Create 11 jobs which comply with TERO. 

The project intends to benefit 1,821 unserved Native American households, of which 99% are below the 150% poverty line. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Omaha Tribe NTIA Broadband Connectivity Project 

Macy

Nebraska

$3,753,450.75

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber to directly connect 19 unserved community anchor institutions, deploy a wireless network to connect 710 unserved Native American households and 12 Native American businesses with fixed wireless to the home 25 Mbps/3 Mbps service, and construct a data server building to house IT equipment. 

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

• Install a 9.5-mile fiber-to-the-premises network providing qualifying service of 1000/1000 Mbps (scalable to 50/50 Gbps) to all unserved community anchor institutions across three towns of the Omaha Tribal Reservation including: Macy, Rosalie, and Walthill, Nebraska. 
• Construct 15 wireless towers to provide qualifying service to 710 unserved Native American households in the towns of Macy, Walthill, and Rosalie, and in outlying Tribal areas. 
• Construct a 700 square foot data server building to house network equipment and infrastructure. 
• Develop two IT positions for experienced professionals with the capability to strategically manage the process of Reservation Broadband development and Broadband implementation/construction.

This project will: 

• Improve Tribe members’ ability to access to telehealth, e-commerce, and distance learning services. 
• Increase data server capacity for Tribal Administration and Health Departments, resulting in improved services for residents of the Omaha Tribe Reservation.
• Create 10 – 15 construction sector jobs. 

The project intends to benefit 710 unserved Native American households, 12 Native American businesses, 19 Native American community anchor institutions, and all members of the Omaha Tribe who utilize tribal administrative and healthcare services. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Osage Nation Broadband Deployment Project

Pine Ridge

Oklahoma

$40,679,250.00

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber and construct wireless towers to directly connect 3,158 unserved Native American households with fiber-to-the-home and/or fixed wireless to the home 25 Mbps/3 Mbps service. 

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

• Construct a 167-mile fiber cable network encompassing 12 rural, underserved, and unserved areas of the Osage Nation reservation providing qualifying service of at least 100 Mbps to Tribal households; 
• Deploy 16 190’ monopole communication towers to facilitate point-to-point, high-speed wireless subscriber connections.  

This project will: 

• provide construction and broadband-related jobs for Osage Nation members. 
• enable the Osage Nation to expand access to education, telehealth, public safety, and telework services. 
• and support the use of smart technologies for agriculture, manufacturing, and government operations and services on Tribal lands. 

The project intends to benefit 3,158 unserved Osage Nation households. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Tucson

Arizona

$6,862,445.20

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber and fixed wireless to directly connect 1,372 unserved Native American households with fixed wireless to the home service of at least 100 Mbps/20 Mbps. 

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

• Enable the deployment of fixed wireless broadband services to the Tribal communities of Guadalupe (400 unserved homes), Tortuga Ranch (100 unserved homes), Old Pascua (300 unserved homes), Barrio Libre (300 unserved homes), Marana (75 unserved homes), and Coolidge (75 unserved home homes). 
• Provide critical telecom service to the Tribe’s 69 government buildings and 9 businesses. 
• Run fiber optic cable from the Tribe’s Data Center and ISP Core to connect critical servers and data.
• Deploy a fiber backbone and fiber-to-the-home to the new housing development on the Reservation (122 new homes). 
• Provide broadband to underserved Tribal community members on the Reservation and outlying communities of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe (a total of 1,372 homes, 69 government buildings, and 9 businesses). 
• Erect three 80-foot monopole towers and outfit two existing pieces of infrastructure (one tower and one building rooftop) with broadband equipment to provide 1,250 unserved Native American households with 5 GHz fixed wireless at qualifying speeds of 100/20 Mbps or greater. 
• Procure and install Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) for each unserved household. 

This project will: 

• provide high-speed Internet access for residents of the Pascua Yaqui Reservation. 
• spur economic development and commercial activity. 
• improve access to remote work, distance learning, and telehealth services. 
• and empower the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Government to provide improved public services. 

The project intends to benefit all unserved Pascua Yaqui households, 9 tribal businesses, 69 community anchor institutions, and residents of the Pascua Yaqui Reservation that utilize Tribal services. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program: Pawnee Nation College

Pawnee

Oklahoma

$1,982,062.38

This dual Broadband Use and Adoption and Planning, Engineering, Feasibility, and Sustainability Studies project will promote broadband adoption and digital inclusion by establishing a student technology grant and computer lab, increasing campus-wide broadband services and equipment access while increasing the digital communications curriculum. Additionally, the applicant will conduct a feasibility study for broadband infrastructure enhancements for a Pawnee Nation College satellite campus. These initiatives will promote broadband adoption and use, distance learning opportunities, build workforce development programs, and increase digital inclusion efforts while assessing the future needs of Pawnee Nation College for broadband infrastructure deployment.

Project activities in support of this grant include:

• Conduct an assessment and impact review plan for the College Computer Lab, student technology grant, Pawnee Nation College Library, technology curriculum, and feasibility study for the satellite campus.
• Provide a student technology grant up to $1,000 for students in need to cover broadband equipment, software, service, and training.
• Upgrade the College Library/Computer Lab with computers and accessory equipment where students can conduct research, receive additional tutoring, or attend digital literacy workshops.
• Revitalize the digital communications curriculum to provide foundational knowledge for students pursuing continuing education and/or technical degrees.
• Conduct a feasibility study for the Golconda Satellite Campus to determine if current or future broadband infrastructure is suitable to provide instruction for future students in a more remote, underserved region.

A well-developed and documented solution for future broadband infrastructure deployment at the Golconda Satellite Campus. The Broadband Use and Adoption portion will upgrade existing network equipment and connectivity on campus in addition to improving course curriculum and student access to digital equipment and resources.

This project will benefit 50 enrolled students in addition to 15 full-time staff plus several adjunct professors. 42% of students and staff fall below the 150% poverty line.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Pauma NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Pauma Valley

California

$498,380.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project seeks to reduce barriers to broadband usage among tribal members in Pauma Valley, California by conducting a broadband adoption and use study to explore solutions and programs related to broadband affordability, distance learning, telehealth, and telework. Additionally, the applicant will purchase laptops and tablets and distribute to a limited number of tribal members for the use of telework, telemedicine, and remote learning. Finally, the applicant will host at least 20 broadband and technology use trainings for community members.

• To implement the study, the Tribe will contract with an outside consultant to conduct research and outreach to determine the scope of barriers and challenges to broadband usage and suggest possible solutions for the tribe to implement;
• The Tribe will purchase 120 laptop devices and 40 tablets for Tribal community members for the use of telework, telemedicine, and remote learning; and
• The Tribe will arrange for at least 20 broadband and technology use trainings for community members hosted by the applicant’s IT Support and Training Manager.

The production of a Broadband Use and Adoption Plan for use by the Tribal Council to inform future solutions and programs.

Over 200 tribal members

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Pinoleville Pomo Nation Broadband Connectivity Grant

Mendocino

California

$496,977.00

The Broadband Use and Adoption project will assist 175 Native American Tribal citizens and community members in Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma Counties, California, in developing programs and resources to address COVID-19 related concerns and build capacity to use broadband to provide ongoing and sustainable benefit to telehealth, remote learning, telework, entrepreneurship, economic growth, job creation and serving community anchor institutions.

The project will implement five activities aimed at addressing critical challenges faced bythe Native Americans in the Tribal service area resulting from a severe lack of broadband access or service:

• Hire and train a Project Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator, increasing staff capacity to manage Tribal broadband programs.
• Deliver workshops to increase basic broadband knowledge and digital skills in the Tribal community and provide on-going support for the Tribe’s online program needs.
• Train twelve interns as a workforce development initiative to gain job skills. These trainees will, in turn, offer digital skills training to 60 Tribal Elders and disabled individuals, thus increasing sustainability. Approximately 40 Tribal Elders and disabled individuals will also receive iPads.
• Create more access to broadband services and devices, including broadband service and devices for the community’s computer center, subsidies to approximately 100-120 Tribal citizens and community members who currently lack access to affordable broadband services, and hotspots for 60 students.
• Gather data and evaluate the digital inclusion and broadband adoption programs funded by the grant to determine their effectiveness and develop future improvements, the results of which are to be shared with NTIA at the close of the project.

Increase access to broadband service that is currently lacking due to cost or remoteness of location. Increase staff capacity to support the nine Tribal organization departments and community anchors. Address the lack of broadband devices and required basic training community-wide. This will allow the community to develop its workforce and increase employability of Pinoleville Pomo Nation citizens.

The project will serve 12 youth (interns), 60 elders/disabled, and 100 households in Mendocino and Lake County, California.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Port Gamble S’Klallam Broadband Complete Connectivity Project

Kingston

Washington

$443,321.16

The project proposes to construct both aerial fiber and underground Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) to 69 unserved households, in addition to 118 households that are under construction and scheduled for occupancy in early 2022. Once completed, the project will provide Internet service to the community at speeds five times greater at the same price that is currently available through commercial vendors.

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

• Repair and upgrade the fiber at the main terminal hub at the Tribal Center.
• Upgrade firewall hardware to fit for increased subscribers and higher bandwidth.
• Install fiber optic cable for broadband subscriptions to the total 187 households on the reservation.

To provide internet service to the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe (PGST) Reservation at speeds five times greater and for the same price currently available to tribal members by commercial providers while increasing resiliency of existing infrastructure.

All 187 homes on the PGST Reservation.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Isleta Pueblo Fiber-optic Pathway

Isleta

New Mexico

$26,033,972.74

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 1,526 unserved Native American households, 54 community anchor institutions, and 10 businesses with fiber-to-the-home and/or fixed wireless to the home 25 Mbps/3 Mbps service. 

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

• Construct 77 miles of backbone and lateral fiber, plus 63 miles of drop cable, to form a link between subscribers and feeder cables creating access to high speed Internet services. 
• Place, configure, connect, and activate broadband equipment and software to operate networks, infrastructure, management, and broadband monitoring systems. 
• Construct three cellular towers to support EMS (Emergency Medical Services). 

This project will provide: 

• A minimum of 25/3 Mbps Internet service speeds to tribal households, at no charge for at least 5 years, supporting economic recovery and development. 
• Increased access to remote learning opportunities. 
• Advance digital inclusion efforts.

The project intends to benefit the entire Pueblo of Isleta community, serving 1,526 unserved households, 10 businesses, and 54 community anchor institutions. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Red Cliff Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Project

Bayfield

Wisconsin

$8,047,002.00

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber to directly connect 705 unserved Native American households, 18 unserved Native American businesses, and 4 Native American community anchor institutions with fiber-to-the-home 940 Mbps/30 Mbps service. 

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

• Deploy a last-mile fiber network to provide qualifying service of up to 1000/300 Mbps to all tribal households within the Red Cliff Reservation and adjacent Town of Russell and Belanger Settlement; 
• Install 6 miles of fiber cable to connect two existing end points of cable previously laid to all tribal buildings. 

This project will: 

• Expand Red Cliff Band members’ access to essential communications and services related to healthcare, public safety, emergency management, education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. 
• Improve the economic and civil life of tribal members living on and adjacent to the Red Cliff Reservation. 

The project intends to benefit 705 unserved Native American households, 18 unserved Native American businesses, and 4 Native American community anchor institutions within the Red Cliff Reservation and adjacent Town of Russell and Belanger Settlement, Tribal members who use the community anchor institutions, and visitors to Red Cliff lands.  

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Phase I Broadband Infrastructure & Connectivity Program

Valley Center

California

$1,230,457.05

This dual Broadband Use and Adoption and Planning, Engineering, Feasibility, and Sustainability project will address broadband network issues of the Tribe. The Broadband Use and Adoption portion will implement a project that supports digital inclusion efforts and procures broadband equipment and services for Tribal members. The Planning Study component aims to produce a plan for future broadband infrastructure projects across the Rincon Reservation.

The Broadband Use and Adoption activities include:

• Hiring a qualified contractor to develop a broadband inclusion ecosystem plan including a community assessment survey.
• Hiring a digital literacy advocate to provide digital literacy and internet safety training.
• Procuring broadband equipment and software to support digital literacy training for Tribal members while they are enrolled in the Tribe’s education and language programs.

The Planning, Engineering, Feasibility, and Sustainability project activities will include:

• Hiring a project manager to produce a future broadband infrastructure deployment plan.
• Conduct survey-grade data mapping for future broadband infrastructure.
• Conduct NEPA environmental assessments.
• Utilize the Tribe’s THPO/Cultural Resource Center to ensure regulatory protection and preservation procedures are in place and contract with appropriate qualified persons or teams should cultural artifacts be encountered during surveys.

The project intends to identify and improve digital literacy among Tribal members while simultaneously developing a suitable, cost-effective plan for a future broadband infrastructure deployment.

Tribal government, businesses, and households will benefit from a well-developed plan that brings suitable broadband service and access to a community where all 385 members are currently unserved or underserved. All tribal members will also benefit greatly from digital literacy training provided as part of the Use and Adoption plan.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Rosebud

South Dakota

$48,352,973.57

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber and an LTE network directly connecting 1,526 unserved Native American households with fiber-to-the-home and/or fixed wireless to the home 602 Mbps/102 Mbps. 

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

• Tribal residents will be connected to affordable Internet services via wireless technologies. 
• The tribal government administration and programs will be connected to the Internet via fiber optic technologies. 

This project will: 

• Connect all tribal members, residents, tribal government administration, and tribal programs to reliable, high speed, low latency Internet services in a secure, maintainable, and scalable way. 
• Provide affordable Internet access to tribal members.
• Provide Internet access to tribal members located in sparsely populated rural areas. 

The project intends to benefit 3,022 Tribal households, 16 Tribal businesses, and 78 Tribal anchor institutions located on the Rosebud Indian Reservation and on off-reservation Tribal trust land. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Salamatof Native Association Long-Term Infrastructure Planning

Kenai

Alaska

$90,000.00

This Planning, Engineering, Feasibility, and Sustainability project proposes to partner with the Salamatof Tribe to conduct a study analyzing and providing solutions for the best use of previously awarded Tribal spectrum, partnering with stakeholders to design and engineer a future regional broadband infrastructure project.

Specific activities to be funded under this grant include:

• Hire a technical expert to provide system planning and design for future regional broadband infrastructure deployment projects.

A well-developed and documented solution for future broadband infrastructure deployment for Salamatof Natives.

The Tribe’s proposed service area encompasses over 24,000 square miles of the Kenai Peninsula Borough.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Salamatof Tribe Affordable Broadband Access and Future Infrastructure Planning

Kenai

Alaska

$1,062,352.40

This dual Broadband Use and Adoption and Planning, Engineering, Feasibility, and Sustainability project will assist Alaska Natives living on the Kenai Peninsula in gaining immediate access to broadband services and equipment by providing affordable access. Access to broadband services enables Tribal members to utilize telehealth, telework, and distance learning opportunities while promoting digital inclusion efforts. The planning study will analyze and provide solutions for best use of previously awarded Tribal spectrum, partnering with stakeholders to design and engineer a future broadband infrastructure project.

Specific activities to be funded under this grant include:

• Subsidize broadband service to Tribal members where it is commercially available, but currently cost prohibitive.
• Purchase devices and software for Tribal members to facilitate access to education, telehealth, and telework opportunities.
• Hire or retain a project manager and technical expert to provide system planning and design for future regional broadband infrastructure deployment projects.

A well-developed and documented solution for future broadband infrastructure deployment for Salamatof Natives in addition to immediate access to broadband services for Tribal members for up to one year.

The Tribe’s proposed service area encompasses over 24,000 square miles of the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The affordable broadband program aims to provide internet service to 350 Tribal households at 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload minimum speeds.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Samish Broadband Use and Inclusivity Program

Anacortes

Washington

$584,800.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to address the current digital divide by conducting an analysis of broadband assets, digital literacy skills, and the availability of broadband equipment and devices for Samish Tribal citizens.

The project will implement three activities aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by Tribal citizens resulting from the lack of access to broadband capabilities:

• Conduct a needs assessment of all Tribal citizens, gauging broadband access or barriers to it that will assist in broadband adoption;
• Develop a digital inclusion plan to increase broadband adoption, digital inclusion, distance learning, telehealth, and workforce development; and
• Design and implement a digital resource to facilitate access to housing and education resources.

The project’s expected outcome is to develop an understanding of Samish Tribal citizens’ current broadband service access and digital literacy. The data collected will help develop a comprehensive digital inclusion plan that will address the needs of Samish citizens. Once understood, the Samish Tribe will be able to participate in telehealth, distance learning, and workforce development.

This project will benefit the entire Samish population; 2,189 individuals in 1,158 households who reside in Washington, Alaska, California, and Oregon. Samish Tribal members in smaller groups reside across the US, Canada, and the Atlantic seaboard.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Peridot

Arizona

$9,927,859.00

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 6,978 unserved Native American households, plus businesses and community anchor institutions, with fiber-to-the-home and/or fixed wireless to the home 25 Mbps/3 Mbps service. 

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

• Upgrade (or replace, if necessary) outdated multiplexing equipment in the current middle mile network. 
• Install 37.8 miles of underground fiber optic cable in 1.25” ducts to the Fort Apache Reservation. 
• Install a pre-fabricated equipment shelter. 
• Deploy a fixed wireless connection to the San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corp. with 1 Gbps of Internet service. 

This project will: 

• Provide affordable, enhanced, and scalable Internet service including capacity upgrades to the San Carlos Apache Reservation and a new middle mile fiber connection to the White Mountain Apache community of the Fort Apache Reservation. 
• Enable the San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corp. to have 1 Gbps Internet service to use telehealth applications to better serve Tribal residents. 
• Create 6 jobs for outside fiber plant construction including manual laborers and heavy equipment operators. 
• Improve the overall quality of life of Tribal residents. 

The project intends to benefit: Tribal members, providers and users of healthcare services and resources, students, educators, employers, employees, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS) Pueblo Education Network (PEN)

Santa Fe

New Mexico

$57,298,683.09

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber connecting the 700 students in grades 7-12 from the 19 Pueblos, Navajo and Apache Tribes of New Mexico, Zuni Tribe, Pueblo of Acoma, Pueblo of Isleta, Pueblo of Jemez, Pueblo of Santo Domingo, and the Pueblo of Zia with fiber-to-the-home 1 Gbps/1 Gbps service. 

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

• Construct 336 miles of new fiber optic infrastructure in rural New Mexico enabling Tribal members, businesses, Tribal government entities, and anchor institutions to connect to affordable Internet services. 
• The Pueblo Education Network builds middle mile broadband infrastructure for tribes, enabling digital economy participation and effectuating last-mile internet access to homes and anchor institutions. 

This project will: 

• Connect multiple rural tribal lands in New Mexico cost-effectively using a regional approach. 
• Increase tribal participation in the global digital economy. 
• Provide Tribal residents, businesses, and anchor institutions with affordable high-speed Internet. 
• Create a private education network connecting tribal Pre-K-20 schools and libraries to each other and to national research and education networks. 
• Connect rural communities in New Mexico with tribal and non-tribal education entities such as the PFSA State Education Network, New Mexico State Agencies, the federal government, and private businesses. 
• Centralize cybersecurity and network operations by sharing cost and expertise. 
• Increase enrollment in online classes. 
• Increase educational attainment including increasing the pursuit of post-secondary degrees. 
• Create student research opportunities. 
• Develop historical and cultural activities, and offer training, through Tribal libraries. 
• Provide workforce training to Tribal members. 
• Increase tribal job opportunities in the information technology field. 

The project intends to benefit Tribal members, K-20 students and teachers, businesses, and anchor institutions. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Project for Santo Domingo Pueblo

Santo Domingo Pueblo

New Mexico

$12,775,576.64

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber and construct wireless towers to directly connect 

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

• Deploy a 15-mile middle-mile fiber network connecting the Santo Domingo Pueblo lands with a regional Internet exchange located in Albuquerque, New Mexico; 
• Construct 6 150’ monopole towers to deliver qualifying wireless service to tribal members living in outlying areas and adjacent communities; 
• Retrofit 2 existing communications towers with the necessary equipment to deliver qualifying wireless service to tribal households in the Pueblo Plaza area; 
• Construct a 3,500 square foot Network Operations and Training Center to maintain the Pueblo’s broadband network, house network servers and equipment, and serve as a training facility for IT staff. 

This project will: 

• Enable Santo Domingo Pueblo tribal members, businesses, and community anchor institutions to access affordable, high-speed broadband. 
• Connect Pueblo students to regional and national research and education networks. 
• Foster collaborative curriculum development between the Pueblo’s schools. 
• Enhance communication between students, teachers, elders, artisans, and community leaders. 
• Increase STEM opportunities for Pueblo youth. 
• Expand economic development opportunities for Pueblo members. 
• Allow tribal staff to participate in the Santa Fe Indian School’s Cultivating Our Own to Lead (COOL) IT workforce training programs. 
• and create a private network for intra-tribal coordination and data storage. 

The project intends to benefit all members of the Santo Domingo Pueblo Tribe. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

SVBPI Tribal Broadband Adoption and Use Project

Lakeport

California

$584,000.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project will increase the availability of broadband services to Tribal members in rural California by providing eligible adults and all high school-age Tribal members with mobile hotspots with 12 months of service, as well as laptops for those without a qualifying device.

The project intends to secure equipment for the Tribal government and households. The key activities include:

• Conduct outreach to determine the needs and eligibility of Tribal members;
• Negotiate and finalize purchase of wireless hotspots and laptops;
• Distribute hotspots to all eligible adult and high school-aged members, and distribute laptops to all eligible adult members and those high school-aged members without a qualifying device; and
• Pre-pay for 12 months of broadband service for all wireless hotspots.

Increased access to broadband services for tribal citizens.

200 eligible adult and high school aged tribal citizens

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Broadband Connectivity Program

Fort Hall

Idaho

$22,485,260.71

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install middle mile and last mile fiber and last mile fixed wireless directly connecting 408 unserved Native American households with fiber-to-the-home 100 Mbps/100 Mbps service. 

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

• To install 16.3 miles of middle mile fiber. 
• To install fiber-to-the-home to 328 Tribal households and to 5 district lodges. 
• To install fixed wireless to 80 Tribal households.
• Develop a plan to create a Tribal ISP for long term sustainability. 
• Develop a Tribal utility code that will support the Tribal ISP.  

This project will: 

• Develop and supply broadband to 408 Tribal households on the Fort Hall Reservation for telemedicine, education, business, and future services.
• Provide broadband to each of the 5 district lodges for access to telehealth, distance learning, governance, civic participation, and tribal member internet access.
• The project will create 105 Tribal jobs, including 5 ISP staff. 

The project intends to benefit Tribal residents, students, adult learners, and district governance. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

NTIA Wireless Funding

Agency Village

South Dakota

$1,847,628.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to address key challenges faced by the Tribe, which include a severe lack of access to broadband service and the inability to communicate with community members and essential services due to coverage gaps. Project implementation will enable broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, and telework.

The project intends to secure equipment for the Tribal government and households. The key activities include:

• Purchase broadband equipment, including computer devices, for Tribal youth to assist in distance learning;
• Purchase communications equipment for Tribal households and community anchor institutions that will improve cellular and wireless services; and
• Subsidize broadband service from ISPs for 700 Tribal members within the service area.

The project’s expected outcome is to improve broadband capacity and capabilities for the Tribal government’s daily operations as well as expand broadband adoption activities for Tribal member households, including telehealth, distance learning, and telework.

The project intends to benefit core Tribal government functions, approximately 750 students, and over 700 Tribal member households.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Create a Broadband Affordability Program for Skagway Traditional Council's Tribal Citizens and Households

Skagway

Alaska

$2,044,600.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to create an affordable broadband program that will provide no-cost, high-speed broadband service to the remote Skagway Village. The implementation of the project will enable broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, workforce development, and digital inclusion efforts.

The project intends to provide access to broadband services by utilizing grant funds to purchase pre-paid service via Alaska Power & Telephone (AP&T):

• Skagway Traditional Council will prepay AP&T during the first quarter of its period of performance for five years of participation in the AP&T Wireless Tribal Broadband Affordability Program for eligible Tribal members;
• AP&T will hold the funds in a non-interest accruing account given its status as a contractor per 2 CFR 200; and
• Skagway Traditional Council will the evaluate success of the program through quarterly surveys for the duration of the program to track progress.

The project’s expected outcome is to facilitate broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, workforce development, and digital inclusion efforts.

The project intends to benefit 110 Tribal households in the remote village of Skagway.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Sokaogon Chippewa Community’s Tribal Broadband Adoption and Use Project

Crandon

Wisconsin

$452,162.00

The Broadband Use and Adoption project will cover the costs of broadband internet services for all Mole Lake Reservation households (approximately 500 Tribal members), including upgrades to service (faster connections) and new modems and routers as needed. The improved internet speeds and free-of-cost internet service will help ensure that this highly rural and geographically isolated community can stay connected, which is especially vital as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to induce shutdowns and necessitates virtual services over in-person. 

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

• Promote broadband use and adoption by all Sokaogon Chippewa Community (SCC) households in Mole Lake by upgrading internet connection (including necessary routers and modems) for 180 households and covering monthly broadband internet services;
• Providing technical assistance to the community through a Community Technical Assistant who will work with households one-on-one to ensure access/adoption of broadband, with an emphasis on immediate set-up and helping youth connect to summer school (May-June 2022) and the new school year (September 2022), in addition to upgrading and covering monthly broadband internet services for the recreation center;
• Provide resources to 218 students to support distance learning through procuring equipment, including iPads, and supplemented by the upgraded internet connections;
• Promote telehealth through the procuring of necessary resources, including Internet services and iPads for the clinic and its patients.

Promote broadband adoption activities, telehealth, distance learning, digital inclusion efforts, and the expansion of affordable broadband programs.

The proposed project will cover the entire Lake Mole Reservation and provide assistance to the approximately one third of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community members therein and in nearby communities.  There are 1,377 SCC Tribal members, one third of whom live on the reservation.  The project proposes to benefit those on the reservation and those in nearby communities residing within Astrea’s (ISP) service area.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Wellpinit

Washington

$16,837,920.31

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 800 unserved Native American households, 10 businesses, and 28 anchor institutions with fiber-to-the-home 100 Mbps/100 Mbps service. 

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

• Bring fiber-to-the-home to households, businesses, and anchor institutions. 
• Connect the Spokane Tribe of Indians Reservation from Wellpinit to Chewelah by constructing a fiber middle-mile. 
• Implement a training program with NoaNet offering training on information technologies. 

This project will: 

• Bring reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet to the Reservation including the towns of Ford, Wellpinit, Fruitland, and Tribal land south of Chewelah. 
• Increase home values. 
• Make remote work possible. 
• Attract new businesses to the area. 
• Boost tourism. 
• Increase access to educational opportunities for K-12, post-secondary, and adult students. 
• Increase the availability of telehealth. 
• Quicken the emergency response time. 
• The project will create 6 new jobs. 

The project intends to benefit Tribal residents, students (K-12, post-secondary, and adult), business owners, and employees. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round Lake 2021

Webster

Wisconsin

$302,032.00

The project will fund the installation of last mile fiber that is designed to bring qualifying broadband to unserved Native American households, businesses, and community anchor institutions in the rural, tribal community of Round Lake. This investment in technology will further the efforts of tribal healthcare/telehealth systems, distance learning initiatives, and small business development in areas where the current DSL has been a limiting factor.

The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin proposes partnering with local Internet service providers, community partners, and St. Croix Tribal Departments to install fiber optic broadband infrastructure in support of the following activities:

• Construct fiber networks to connect 74 households, five businesses, and four community anchor institutions to qualifying broadband service.
• Provide apprenticeship and internship opportunities for St. Croix Tribal members in the Internet communication service field.

The project will expand access to qualifying broadband service; enable distance learning, telehealth, support digital inclusion efforts, expand broadband adoption activities; and promote workforce development.

The Tribal members of the St. Croix Indians of Wisconsin residing in the Round Lake Community.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

The Suquamish Tribe of the Port Madison Reservation Broadband Adoption and Use Project

Suquamish

Washington

$1,093,384.80

This Broadband Use and Adoption Project proposes to improve community anchor institutions’ digital readiness and the development of workforce training and digital literacy programs aimed to increase digital inclusion among Tribal members. The implementation of this project will enable broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, affordable broadband programs, workforce development, and digital inclusion efforts.

The project will implement seven activities within the Tribal service area to address the lack of broadband access, service, or digital literacy:

• Deployment of an Enterprise Systems Management Portal for the Tribe;
• Hire a full-time Digital Literacy Specialist contractor position for the Chief Kitsap Academy to maintain network and broadband devices in addition to course instruction for students on digital literacy and workforce development skills;
• Upgrade the equipment and telecommunications systems at Chief Kitsap Academy and the Early Learning Center to facilitate digital inclusion activities;
• Procure and distribute equipment to provide five years of broadband service for 50 Tribal members within the service area that will enable access to distance learning and telehealth services;
• Provide training using the Enterprise Systems Management Portal to Tribal staff and Tribal community members on digital inclusion-related topics; and
• Conduct community needs surveys, gap assessments, and inventory broadband resources to identify additional needs of Tribal members and community anchor institutions.

The project’s expected outcome is to improve broadband access and service for all Tribal members. Tribal youth will gain digital literacy and workforce development skills while Tribal households will gain better access to telehealth services, distance learning, and workforce development programs.

This project is expected to benefit the entire Port Madison Indian Reservation with a resident population of 6,536 as stated by the applicant.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Taos Pueblo 2.5 Ghz Spectrum Development Project

Taos

New Mexico

$477,817.00

The proposed project, through a qualified consultant, will conduct comprehensive engineering analysis with respect to the technical design, market conditions and financial requirements of providing broadband services to its community.

The project proposes the following activities in support of the broadband infrastructure planning study:

• Perform an assessment of the technical viability and project potential of the Taos Pueblo Tribe broadband infrastructure deployment creating a broadband design and engineering plan with an emphasis on identification of areas that are unserved and represent the highest need;
• Assess the potential of partnering opportunities with third party vendors for broadband deployment and service delivery;
• Document financial and organizational viability and project potential for delivering broadband service, including research projects that expand the adoption and use of broadband services in the Taos Pueblo Reservation.

Deliver a plan for a “shovel ready” project that has been designed, vetted, and achieved leadership and community consensus and approval. The project is expected to support or inform future workforce training and development under a potential Tribal Utility Authority.

The approximately 2,600 Taos Pueblo Tribal members.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tunica-Biloxi Broadband Project

Marksville

Louisiana

$2,499,947.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to address key challenges confronting the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe in expanding access to broadband services while also increasing digital literacy among its Tribal Citizens. The implementation of the project is expected to enable broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, affordable broadband programs, and digital inclusion efforts.

The project will implement three activities aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by Tribal members within the service area:

• Hire four IT specialists to serve as Internet-use training coordinators to install broadband equipment as well as monitor and troubleshoot network operations. These personnel will assist the Tribe in the development and implementation of digital literacy classes;
• Purchase specialized broadband equipment designed specifically for seniors. Additionally, the applicant will provide individual laptops or computers for Tribal school aged training to assist with distance learning and vocational training; and
• Provide discounted broadband service for eligible, low-income Tribal members over a three-year period while simultaneously providing digital literacy training in the areas of telehealth, distance learning, and workforce development.

Because the Reservation is located in an area that is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and other inclement weather, Tribal members and surrounding anchor institutions often experience frequent outages of electricity and internet service. The Tribe will purchase an electric generator to ensure continuity of service during these periods, allowing Tribal members to access online services, including telehealth and remote learning, and allowing Tribal first responders to provide emergency services to the community. The electric generator purchase qualifies as an eligible cost under Section D.7.c.iv and viii of the NOFO.

The project’s expected outcome is to improve broadband capacity and capabilities for Tribal members and facilities, expanding broadband adoption activities including telehealth, distance learning, workforce development, and digital inclusion efforts.

The project intends to benefit four Tribal members who will be hired/trained as IT professionals, 375 Tribal elders and youth who will receive electronic devices, and approximately 325 low-income Tribal members who qualify for reduced cost broadband service.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

To provide employment and training services to eligible Native Americans to enhance their employment opportunities and prepare them to become self-sufficient.

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma

$500,000.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to provide broadband education, awareness, training, access, and equipment for Native American communities within Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. UUIC is targeting specific populations to include low-income families, disabled individuals, seniors, and minority-owned businesses. The implementation of this project will enable broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, and digital inclusion efforts.

The project will implement digital literacy training programs free of charge to Native Americans, delivered through community seminars and workshops, focused on the areas of telehealth, distance learning, telework, entrepreneurship, economic growth, and job creation. Specific activities include:

• Hiring IT staff and instructors to provide digital literacy training;
• Purchase of broadband equipment for Native Americans who attend courses; and
• Provide stipends for attendance and transportation to digital literacy training programs, as necessary.

UUIC will use its office facilities for one-on-one digital literacy training sessions with a small number of participants. UUIC has agreements with the Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, and the North Care Pete White Health & Wellness Center to use their local community centers free of charge for meeting space with ample room for the number of participants they would host for their digital literacy training sessions. All three facilities are equipped with Wi-Fi and broadband capabilities that meet or exceed 25/3 Mbps broadband speeds, large and small meeting rooms, a large stage supported by an audio-visual system with sound booth, projector, screens and several large TV monitors to facilitate the training sessions.

The project’s expected outcome is to increase access to broadband equipment and services for Native American communities and individuals, expanding broadband adoptions including telehealth, distance learning, telework, and digital literacy.

The project intends to benefit Native American populations within Oklahoma County, OK in addition to 242 individuals who will receive broadband equipment upon completion of digital literacy training.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Bridging the Digital Divide: Supporting job growth, telehealth, and household connectivity for Upper Mattaponi Citizens

King William

Virginia

$473,349.80

The Broadband Use and Adoption project will provide affordable broadband services through payment assistance programming as well as provide citizens in need with laptops. These services will be provided to improve tribal citizens’ access to telehealth, tele-education, and other modern economic development activities that promote job growth and household connectivity for the Upper Mattaponi community.

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

• Providing new laptops for 200 Tribal members. This will enable students to engage in much needed distance learning support and provide low-income elders with telehealth access. Additionally, other low-income Tribal members in receipt of equipment will be able to better communicate with the Tribal government.
• Provision of payment assistance support to provide affordable broadband services to 55 low-income households, particularly rural tribal members, who are currently forced to rely on more expensive satellite broadband services.
• Provide project management services through the use of a part-time Project Coordinator who is tasked with conducting citizen outreach and application processing, completing targeted training to better serve citizens, provisioning equipment and serving as the liaison with broadband providers.

Promote broadband adoption activities, telehealth, distance learning, digital inclusion efforts, and the expansion of affordable broadband programs.

The proposed project services are intended to cover the entire geographically diverse tribe and provide direct assistance to the approximately one half of Community members.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

Viejas High Speed Broadband Connectivity Project

Alpine

California

$592,110.00

This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to fund five years of broadband service for 215 tribal households in Alpine, California.

To reduce cost barriers preventing community members’ access to broadband services, the Tribe will contract with a local ISP to provide five years of free broadband service.

Full broadband coverage for all tribal member households for five years

215 tribal households

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Clarks Point Tribal Member Technology and Broadband Access Program

Clarks Point

Alaska

$500,000.00

The proposed Broadband Use and Adoption project is designed to provide all tribal members who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 Global Pandemic with access to technology and Internet services at zero cost in order to combat social isolation, promote telework, bring remote access to college/training courses, and provide access to medical care from within the home.  All Tribal members may apply for the program by providing verification of Tribal member status and self-certifying that they were negatively impacted by COVID-19.

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

• Provide computing equipment to tribal members via an application and self-certification process;
• Provide required software to tribal members via an application and self-certification process;
• Provide payment/reimbursement for internet services and, if needed, supplies to achieve a reliable internet connection to provide access for telework, school, communication, and/or telemedicine via an application and self-certification process.

Promote broadband adoption activities, telehealth, distance learning, digital inclusion efforts, and the expansion of affordable broadband programs.

The 223 tribal members of the Clarks Point Village Council.

Subrecipient activities if applicable

N/A

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Whiteriver

Arizona

$24,369,880.00

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber directly connecting 3,671 unserved Native American households and 56 unserved Tribal business and community anchor institutions with fiber-to-the-home 1 Gbps/1 Gbps service. 

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

• Construct a 47.86 mile fiber optic middle mile network and last mile fiber-to-the home providing Internet access to Tribal households, businesses, and community anchor institutions of the White Mountain Apache Reservation.
• Develop a workforce training program for Tribal members. 

This project will: 

• Provide affordable Broadband services to 3,671 unserved Tribal members.
• Create 10 jobs for Tribal residents.
• Bring new opportunities for remote learning, telemedicine, and remote work. 

The project intends to benefit educational institutions, healthcare providers, government agencies, and Tribal members. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable

Planning and Development of Broadband Distribution to Government, Commercial, and Residential Areas of the Yavapai-Apache Nation

Camp Verde

Arizona

$500,000.00

This planning study will generate plans and recommendations in establishing the best and most cost-effective approach to update and expand broadband connectivity for the Yavapai-Apache Nation. The plan will leverage experts in broadband operations, engineering, and design to develop and document a sustainable and feasible plan for future infrastructure deployment.

The project proposes the following activities in support of the broadband infrastructure planning study:

• Assess the full determination of broadband needs for the community;
• Establish contracts for each contractor supporting the project plan;
• Completion of a master plan of proposed upgrades and expansions to existing broadband infrastructure;
• Completion of an associated feasibility study;
• Development of an engineering and design plan for infrastructure deployment;
• Completion of a sustainability plan for future broadband operations;
• Document a feasibility determination to establish viability of Tribal ownership.

The study will inform future workforce training and development, design, installation, and operation of upgraded and expanded systems supporting broadband infrastructure on the Tribal land.

The estimated 2,500 members of the Yavapai-Apache Nation

Subrecipient activities if applicable

Yurok Tribe NTIA TBCP

Klamath

California

$61,661,365.50

The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install middle fiber and last mile wireless connecting 921 unserved Native American households on the Yurok Reservation and Yurok Ancestral Lands with fixed wireless to the home with 100 Mbps/25 Mbps service. 

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

• Deploy 62 miles of middle mile fiber and last mile wireless to provide qualified broadband service.
• Increase the capacity for the Tribe to work on and maintain their own WISP infrastructure. 
• Develop a training and certification program for broadband-related careers.
• Construct 7 communications towers to distribute wireless broadband to households, businesses, and community anchor institutions on Yurok Tribal Lands. 
• Install wireless and LTE equipment utilizing 2.5 GHz spectrum for wireless coverage. 
• Construct power line extensions to remote tower sites currently off-the-grid. 

This project will: 

• Provide high speed, affordable, reliable, quality broadband service to 921 unserved Tribal households, 110 Tribal businesses, and18 Tribal community anchor institutions. 
• Create 182 new jobs in construction and IT-related positions. 
• Connect communities, spur economic development, open-up opportunities for remote employment and online entrepreneurship, remote learning, and telehealth.
• In collaboration with the Tribe’s Employment Rights Organization (TERO), recruit 12 Tribal members to attend school and be certified to install fiber and maintain the new infrastructure. This training model will be replicated into the future. 

The project intends to benefit: Tribal residents, students and educators, health care providers, employers and employees, entrepreneurs, and those that use such services as health and human services, libraries, colleges and universities, government entities such as utility districts, Boys & Girls Club, vocational education programs, and tourists visiting the Tribe’s enterprises. 

Subrecipient activities if applicable