Category Archives: Tribal Programs

ILSR report: Native Nations and Federal Telecom Policy Failures – consent is key

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The Institute for Local Self Reliance has a new report (Native Nations and Federal Telecom Policy Failures) that tracks the history of how poor or nonexistent technology policies have hindered relationships between broadband providers and tribes and tribal nations…

As Tribes work in record numbers to close the significant digital divide across Indian Country, they need good policy that facilitates self-determined and sustainable solutions. To the contrary, RDOF became, for many, yet another lesson in the dangers of investing significant sums of federal money into new Internet networks on Tribal lands without regard to local knowledge or priorities, leaving Tribal governments to spend their own time and resources to fix broken processes.

While some recent federal broadband programs do require ISPs to secure Tribal consent prior to receiving funds, the FCC still has not adopted this approach. The problems outlined in this report reinforce the need for such a requirement. This report examines RDOF’s program design in the context of the FCC’s policies on Tribal nations, highlights the practical and fundamental concerns raised by some Tribes about the program, and considers the long-term reverberations it continues to have on broadband funding for Tribes. It concludes that the FCC should have stronger, more clear requirements for ISPs operating on Tribal Reservations.

It seems consent is key…

It doesn’t seem far-fetched to tie the release of the FCC’s November 2023 memo to the provider letter in the Pacific Northwest. With state BEAD challenges underway or on the horizon, RDOF recipients bumped up against the threat of competition and felt a renewed sense of urgency to secure consent. Companies could use undue pressure or selective information in an attempt to do so. If Tribes do not fully understand the leverage they hold, they may feel pressured to provide that consent or be unnecessarily warned off of competing for BEAD funds. The legacy of disingenuous outsiders taking advantage of Tribes does not seem to be consigned to history.

There remain a lot of moving parts in the broadband funding landscape – a lot of different state and federal funding programs with different rules and guidelines. For many years, the FCC has doled out the largest share of money, especially to rural areas, but the Commission’s policies on Tribal consultation have often resulted in broken promises, frustration, and bureaucratic hurdles for already time-strapped Tribes looking to close the digital divide on their lands. It is a heap of trouble that some Tribes are still actively trying to unwind. NTIA’s decision not to recognize enforceable commitments without Tribal consent can be a helpful corrective for Tribes who might otherwise be eligible for BEAD funding, though it looks like it may take another big effort to make it a reality.

For years strong public-private partnerships have been touted as essential to deploying broadband in rural areas. Trust and consent are essential to any relationship. Even parenting, I know a begrudged “I’ll clean my room,” will not yield the same result as a happy “I’ll clean my room for $10 or your birthday or to have friends over.” There’s begrudged consent and partnership and many shades in between.

 

Tribal Broadband Bootcamps bring connectivity, knowledge and skills

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Nice to see the Tribal Broadband Bootcamps from the Institute for Local Self Reliance get noticed by Finance and Commerce…

Ultimately, though, if broadband expansion is to succeed on tribal lands, it will happen because people understand how to make it work in their communities, and that’s where nuts-and-bolts training sessions like this come into play.

More than 1 in 5 homes on tribal lands lack access to adequate broadband, compared to fewer than one in 10 on non-tribal land in 2024, according to Federal Communications Commission data. But experts say the disparity is likely greater.

Tribal nations have struggled to connect to the web for a variety of reasons ranging from living in remote locations to lack of investment by internet service providers. The lack of service has hampered every aspect of 21st century life, from health care and education access to the ability to start a business and stay in touch with friends and family.

“A lot of tribal communities, they’re probably decades behind a lot of urban areas in terms of internet connectivity,” said E.J. John, a Navajo Nation member and policy analyst at the American Indian Policy Institute. “Connectivity rates are very low.”

With at least $3 billion specifically set aside for tribal nations, depending on how they fare competing for the biggest pot of federal money for broadband expansion, Rantanen said he has received a “flood” of interest in training and applying for grants.

The solution Rantanen and Mitchell came up with was the Tribal Broadband Bootcamp, a hands-on way to help people understand the technology through three-day sessions.

“We actually want people to see a fiber optic network in the ground that they can use tools to manipulate and troubleshoot,” said Mitchell, who runs broadband efforts for a nonprofit called the Institute of Local Self-Reliance.

Most previous bootcamps have taken place on tribal lands, but about a third of the sessions have been hosted on Rantanen’s ranch, which the founders affectionately call a “broadband playground.”

At the group’s 14th bootcamp in June, participants roamed the ranch on foot and by utility vehicles trailed by clouds of dust.

Federal report on State of federal Broadband programs in Minnesota

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The Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OICG) reports…

The ACCESS BROADBAND Act requires OICG to submit to relevant congressional committees and publish on its website an annual report that contains a description of OICG’s work for the previous year and the number of U.S. residents connected to broadband through federal broadband support programs and the Universal Service Fund Program.5 The OICG Annual Report describes the work of OICG, fulfilling the statutory requirement of the ACCESS BROADBAND Act.

Here is what they report for Minnesota…

Public Engagement

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development (MN OBD), the Association of Minnesota Counties, the League of Minnesota Cities, and the Minnesota Association of Townships co-hosted the Internet for All: Connecting One Minnesota Workshop in Prior Lake on January 25, 2023. Attendees included critical stakeholders, including local Tribal and government leaders, community anchor institutions, nonprofits and providers, all committed to furthering the border-to-border expansion of broadband across the state. The workshop provided an overview of available federal funding along with a focus on creative solutions to the broadband deployment challenges in rural Minnesota. There were over 360 attendees, with over 170 joining in-person and over 190 joining virtually.

Digital Equity Regional Events…

From August 29 through September 27, 2023, MN OBD hosted digital opportunity listening sessions in 16 cities and two online sessions. The state hosted this series of digital opportunity listening sessions to convene digital opportunity supporters, solicit feedback on their Digital Opportunity (Equity) draft, plan and hear about Minnesotans’ digital opportunity ideas, concerns, experiences and solutions.

Amplifying Investments

U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, U.S. Representative Angie Craig (MN-2), and Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan held an Investing in America press conference to announce the Minnesota Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program allocation.

Connecting Communities through Technology, Training, and Certifications

NTIA’s Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program awarded a grant to Red Lake Nation College (RLNC). The project upgraded on-site Internet service and security, upgraded laptop and desktop computers, increased learning software options at RLNC and provided digital devices and broadband service plans for RLNC students to enable access on- and off-campus. The project also provided professional development and capacity building opportunities for RLNC IT staff, cybersecurity training for RLNC faculty, staff and students and drone training and certification for community members, including a youth drone camp.

Out of the adult participants, 16 became certified pilots after taking the drone pilot certification exam, one of which was hired by RLNC’s Tribal Engineering Department as their new Drone Specialist. Shortly after the program was completed, the drones (and newly certified specialists) were used to find a missing person who was lost in the woods.

They also listed tribal areas in Minnesota that will benefit from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program:

  • Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Minnesota (Six Component reservations: Bois Forte Band (Nett Lake); Fond du Lac Band; Grand Portage Band; Leech Lake Band; Mille Lacs Band; White Earth Band)
  • White Earth Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe
  • Lower Sioux Indian Community in the State of Minnesota

Deadline extended for Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program to March 22, 2024

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Red Lake Nation News reports…

Tribes and Native entities have been given more time to submit applications for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, a national initiative to improve high-speed internet access on Native lands.

Eligible tribal and Native entities have until March 22 to apply for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced on Monday. Applications can be submitted online, via email or through the postal system.

“The deadline extensions are intended to provide potential applicants with more time to develop competitive project proposals and project consortia,” the NTIA said in a news release. “Eligible Entities that previously submitted applications may submit revised applications (entire application must be resubmitted) on or before the new submission deadline.”

https://indianz.com/News/2024/01/22/deadline-extended-for-tribal-broadband-connectivity-program/

OPPORTUNITY: FCC looking for nominations to Native Nations Communications Task Force

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The FCC put out a call…

FCC EXTENDS CURRENT NATIVE NATIONS COMMUNICATIONS TASK FORCE AND SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR TRIBAL GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE ON RENEWED TASK FORCE BEGINNING IN 2024The Federal Communications Commission (Commission) has long recognized that it shares a unique trust relationship with Tribal Nations.[1]  It is this unique government-to-government relationship that guides the Commission in its dealings with Tribal Nations and in the Commission’s efforts to promote Tribal self-sufficiency and economic development.  As part of these endeavors and its efforts to ensure that the concerns of Tribal governments are considered in all relevant Commission proceedings, the Commission created the Native Nations Communications Task Force (Task Force).  Since it was created in 2011, the Task Force has been composed of elected Tribal leaders from federally-recognized Tribes or their designated employees with authority to act on their behalf and senior Commission staff.[2]  The Task Force is an important source of information, expertise, and guidance to the Commission.  The Task Force’s mission is to consult with Commission staff and make recommendations on communications-related issues that affect Tribal stakeholders.[3]
Extension of Current Term
By this Public Notice, we first announce an extension of the term of the current Task Force until the end of 2023.  The current term, which was set to expire on October 24, 2023, will now expire on December 31, 2023.  This extension will provide additional time to the Task Force to complete its task.
Applications for Renewed Task Force in 2024
Second, we seek applications for membership to serve on a renewed Task Force to start at the beginning of 2024.  Applications should be submitted in accordance with the procedures outlined below.  As described below, incumbent Task Force members may recommit to the Task Force rather than submit a new nomination.[4]  The Commission intends to establish the renewed Task Force term for a period of three years, with an expected start date of January 1, 2024.
Applications for Task Force membership must be received by the FCC no later than November 30, 2023.

Get details on how to nominate someone.

EVENT Oct 16: Nuts, Bolts, and Cables: Opportunities in Tribal Broadband

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From the Minneapolis Federal Reserve…

We invite you to join us October 16 for a conversation about the research on tribal broadband and opportunities for tribes to improve their communities’ Internet access. This is the third event in the Center for Indian Country Development’s (CICD’s) 2023 webinar series: Cultivating Native Economies in the 21st Century. The series provides tribal leaders, policymakers, and practitioners with information they can use to strengthen and expand Indian Country economic prosperity.

Internet access connects communities to economic opportunity and vital services. Research from CICD has found that tribal areas have inadequate access to high-speed Internet, known as broadband. Today, new funding and partnership possibilities are opening opportunities for tribes to improve their communities’ digital infrastructure. Seizing these opportunities requires accurate, comprehensive data on the state of broadband across Indian Country.

Our October 16 webinar will feature research on the tribal digital divide and information on modern broadband policies and programs. Tribal broadband practitioners and federal policymakers will discuss data challenges as well as opportunities for tribal governments to advance their service networks. Presenters and panelists will also explore the connection between tribes’ ability to make decisions about their digital infrastructure and tribal sovereignty. Participants will have the opportunity to share questions as part of a live question-and-answer session.

The event is held in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the American Indian Policy Institute at Arizona State University.

We hope you’ll be part of this important conversation.

Speakers include:

  • Geoffrey Blackwell (Muscogee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Omaha), National Congress of American Indians
  • Valerie Fast Horse (Coeur d’Alene Tribe), Coeur d’Alene Tribe
  • Casey Lozar (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes), CICD, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
  • Traci Morris (Chickasaw), American Indian Policy Institute, Arizona State University
  • Matthew Rantanen (Cree), Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association and Tribal Digital Village
  • Steven Shepelwich, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
  • H Trostle (Cherokee Nation), CICD, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
  • Danae Wilson (Nez Perce), White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

EVENT DETAILS

Virtual video event

Register now!

 

OPPORTUNITY: State funding available for assistive technology for older folks and folks with disabilities

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Unrelated to the broadband world, I was lucky enough to volunteer for a Native American Elder Picnic in Minneapolis last week. There were booths set up to promote different opportunities; one of the booths was LiveLife Therapy Solutions. They were talking to folks about assistive technology available to make it easier for elders (and others) to stay in their homes longer. These services can be made available through state funding. Learn more in the video:

It seems like these tools could be a good entry point for older folks and folks with disabilities to start using technology.

The event was also an opportunity for me to talk with folks who aren’t big technology users. I spoke to one gentleman who has an email address but only accesses it when he’s in the library. He’s in Anoka County. He has the skills to use broadband but lack of device and cost that are his barriers.

I also learned that bingo is a hot seller to elders. That might be helpful to folks looking to get elders in the room for any technology related programming. Or turning devices into bingo prizes might be a way to get them to people who need them.

NTIA opens second round of funding for Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program up to $980 million

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The NTIA reports on a second round of funding for tribal communities…

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) is a $3 billion program, from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, to support Tribal governments bringing high-speed Internet to Tribal lands, including telehealth, distance learning, affordability, and digital inclusion initiatives. The program seeks to improve quality of life, spur economic development, and create opportunities for remote employment, online entrepreneurship, remote learning, and telehealth by expanding broadband access and by providing digital training and inclusion programs to Native American communities.

This second round of funding from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program will make approximately $980 million available on Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian lands for deployment of Internet infrastructure, affordability programs, telehealth and distance learning initiatives.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity page includes information for Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program eligible applicants. Here, you will find sample budget materials, application guidance, webinar schedules and other materials to help strengthen your application.

You can find full details about this program in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

FCC gives tribal libraries greater access to E-Rate funding

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The FCC announces…

The Federal Communications Commission today adopted an order providing Tribal libraries and other E-Rate participants enhanced access to funding so they can obtain affordable, high-speed broadband services and equipment to connect students and library patrons with online learning opportunities.

More details…

With the Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted today, the Commission makes changes to provide Tribal communities and other E-Rate participants with greater access to the E-Rate program.  Specific updates to the E-Rate program rules include:

  • Granting E-Rate eligibility to Tribal College and University libraries that serve as public libraries in their communities.

  • Creating an exemption to the competitive bidding requirements for libraries seeking E-Rate support for category two services that total a pre-discount price of $3,600 or less per library per funding year.  Category two services are the internal connections needed for broadband connectivity within schools.  This step can help simplify the application process.

  • Increasing the maximum category two discount rate to 90% and the category two funding floor to $55,000 for Tribal libraries.  This step can raise the amount of funding for category two services that are reimbursable through the E-Rate program.

  • Providing guidance on cost allocation issues experienced by applicants.

  • Adopting a formal definition of “Tribal” within the E-Rate program to better identify Tribal applicants seeking E-Rate funding.

  • Amending the Commission’s E-Rate program rules to add a Tribal community representative to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board of Directors.

  • Directing USAC to provide increased outreach and training to Tribal applicants.

  • Seeking comment on ways to further simplify the E-Rate program for all applicants.

GAO has 15 recommendations for NTIA’s Tribal broadband programs

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Fierce Telecom reports…

A government watchdog warned the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) isn’t doing enough to measure the success of its Tribal broadband programs as the agency continues to dole out funding for broadband upgrades across the 56 million acres of Indian Reservation lands. …

Yet while the NTIA continues to dole out funding through the TBCP and the Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP), the agency isn’t doing enough to ensure the successful performance of these programs, according to a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released earlier this year. The report described NTIA’s program management of TBCP and BIP as “generally consistent with recommended practices for awarding grants.” But the GAO took issue with the NTIA’s claims of providing “reliable” and “affordable” connectivity without defining those terms — thereby making them not effectively quantifiable.

These findings prompted a list of 15 recommendations for better performance monitoring and program implementation success. The recommendations would effectively create a dedicated NTIA administrator to establish program goals and measurements within the TBCP and BIP, define and measure “reliable” and “affordable” connectivity, and monitor fraud risk within the program. The status of these recommendations currently remains open, and the GAO intends to provide updates to the responses taken by the NTIA as it becomes available.

From the GAO report here are the 15 recommendations:

  1. For TBCP, the Administrator of NTIA should establish performance goals and measures for all of the program’s purposes—funding broadband use and adoption projects as well as funding broadband infrastructure deployment projects. (Recommendation 1)
  2. For TBCP, the Administrator of NTIA should ensure the performance goal is quantifiable and measurable by defining broadband reliability and affordability. (Recommendation 2)
  3. For TBCP, the Administrator of NTIA should designate a dedicated entity to lead fraud risk management activities for the program. (Recommendation 3)
  4. For TBCP, the Administrator of NTIA should ensure that the dedicated entity identifies inherent fraud risks in the program. (Recommendation 4)
  5. For TBCP, the Administrator of NTIA should ensure that the dedicated entity assesses the likelihood and impact of inherent fraud risks in the program. (Recommendation 5)
  6. For TBCP, the Administrator of NTIA should ensure that the dedicated entity determines fraud risk tolerance for the program. (Recommendation 6)
  7. For TBCP, the Administrator of NTIA should ensure that the dedicated entity examines the suitability of existing antifraud controls in the program and prioritizes residual fraud risks. (Recommendation 7)
  8. For TBCP, the Administrator of NTIA should ensure that the dedicated entity documents the fraud risk profile for the program. (Recommendation 8)
  9. For BIP, the Administrator of NTIA should ensure the performance goal is quantifiable and measurable by defining broadband affordability. (Recommendation 9)
  10. For BIP, the Administrator of NTIA should designate a dedicated entity to lead fraud risk management activities for the program. (Recommendation 10)
  11. For BIP, the Administrator of NTIA should ensure that the dedicated entity identifies inherent fraud risks in the program. (Recommendation 11)
  12. For BIP, the Administrator of NTIA should ensure that the dedicated entity assesses the likelihood and impact of inherent fraud risks in the program. (Recommendation 12)
  13. For BIP, the Administrator of NTIA should ensure that the dedicated entity determines fraud risk tolerance for the program. (Recommendation 13)
  14. For BIP, the Administrator of NTIA should ensure that the dedicated entity examines the suitability of existing antifraud controls in the program and prioritizes residual fraud risks. (Recommendation 14)
  15. For BIP, the Administrator of NTIA should ensure that the dedicated entity documents the fraud risk profile for the program. (Recommendation 15)

Fond du Lac Communications withdraws from/defaults on CAF II funding in MN

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The FCC reports…

By this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) announces that Gila Local Exchange Carrier, Inc. d/b/a Alluvion Communications, Inc. (GLEC) and Fond du Lac Communications, Inc. (Fond du Lac) have notified the Commission of their decisions to withdraw from the Connect America Fund (CAF) Phase II auction support program.1 Fond du Lac’s and GLEC’s letters constitute notification to the Commission that they are defaulting on their obligations to meet their service milestones.2 At WCB’s direction, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) suspended future support payments for these support recipients, and we now direct USAC to recover CAF Phase II support from GLEC and Fond du Lac pursuant to the Commission’s rules.3

On August 28, 2018, GLEC and Fond du Lac Reservation Business Committee were announced as winning bidders in the CAF Phase II auction.4 Fond du Lac Reservation Business Committee assigned its winning bids to its wholly-owned communications company, Fond du Lac.5 Fond du Lac and GLEC subsequently filed long-form applications seeking to become authorized to receive CAF Phase II auction support for their winning bids.6 GLEC was authorized in May 2020 to receive a total of $104,499.00 in support over a 10-year term to offer voice and broadband service to 29 locations in Arizona, and Fond du Lac was authorized in July 2020 to receive a total of $55,010.80 in support over a 10-year term to offer voice and broadband service to 13 locations in Minnesota.7 In April 2022, WCB sent letters to Fond du  Lac and GLEC expressing concern with the carriers’ ability to meet upcoming build-out milestones because they had certified in the High Cost Universal Broadband portal that they had deployed voice and broadband services meeting the CAF Phase II auction requirements to zero locations.8

GLEC and Fond du Lac filed letters in the relevant dockets notifying the Commission of their decisions to withdraw from the CAF Phase II auction support program in December 2022 and March 2023, respectively.9 Accordingly, we consider GLEC and Fond du Lac to have defaulted on their CAF Phase II auction service milestones. Each will receive no further CAF Phase II auction support payments,10 and we hereby instruct USAC to recover funds consistent with the Commission’s rules.11 While GLEC and Fond du Lac will no longer receive CAF II auction support, they remain subject to recordkeeping rules for the high-cost program.12 GLEC and Fond du Lac also remain subject to all Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) obligations unless and until they follow the relevant procedures to relinquish their designations.13 Additionally, GLEC and Fond du Lac cannot discontinue voice service without Commission approval.14

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe awarded $11 million from NTIA for broadband

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NTIA reports…

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today it has awarded two grants totaling more than $25.7 million to two Tribal nations – The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota and the Pueblo of Acoma in New Mexico– as part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP).

With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these new grants bring the total of the program to over $1.75 billion awarded to 135 Tribal entities.

More info on the funding for the Mille Lacs Band…

Project Type: Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
Fund Amount: $11,407,585.00
This Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber to directly connect 356 unserved Native American households, 7 unserved Native American businesses, and 10 unserved community anchor institutions with service ranging from 250/250 Mbps to 1000/1000 Mbps.

EVENT April 11: Paul Bunyan Communications and Red Lake Nation to hold Affordable Connectivity Program Sign Up Day in Ponemah

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I’m sharing the info from Paul Bunyan for the folks near Ponemah but also to spread the word about the Affordable Connectivity Program to everyone who could benefit from it…

Paul Bunyan Communications and the Red Lake Nation are holding a sign-up day for the Affordable Connectivity Program on Tuesday, April 11 from Noon-2:30 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club in Ponemah.

The Affordable Connectivity Program will help to lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households struggling to afford internet service and provides a discount of up to a $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying Tribal lands.

A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

  • Has an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines;
  • Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
  • Participates in one of several Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard) Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
  • Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program.

Eligible households can enroll at the sign-up event, through a participating broadband provider, or by going to ACPBenefit.org to submit an online application or print a mail-in application and contacting their preferred participating broadband provider and selecting a plan.  Additional information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available at www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET any day of the week.

 

Red Lake Nation College gets almost $2 million from feds to expand broadband

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The Bemidji Pioneer reports…

Red Lake Nation College has been awarded a $1,924,280 grant from the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program.

The program is run by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration and is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative, a release said.

Red Lake Nation College is one of 61 minority-serving colleges and universities receiving grants totaling $175 million.

The Red Lake Nation College Connecting Minority Communities project, “Expanding Broadband Capacity at Red Lake Nation College,” aims to upgrade broadband access, capacity and skills for RLNC students, staff and community members, the release said.

The project activities will provide and upgrade on-site internet service and security, upgrade laptop and desktop computers, increase learning software options at RLNC, and provide digital devices and broadband service plans for RLNC students to enable access on and off campus.

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa expands broadband on the Iron Range

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The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board reports in their e-newsletter…

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa is constructing a fiber-to-the-home buildout to bring high speed broadband to its reservation. The original project began three years ago and included about 440 homes within the reservation boundaries. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the initial project with a $579,272 Broadband Infrastructure grant. Other funding partners included Shakopee Mdewakanton Community ($600,000) and Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development ($1,158,545).
Bois Forte recently received a $19.8 million grant from National Telecommunications and Information Administrations (NTIA) Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. The funding will enable Bois Forte to continue its commitment to broadband and build out reservation areas surrounding Lake Vermilion, city of Orr and Pelican Lake, connecting an additional 3,200 homes.
When both projects are complete, a combined total of more than 3,600 homes, numerous businesses and several community facilities will be connected.
Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC) will oversee the project design, engineering and construction of 375 miles of new fiber optic cable. In its assessment process, CTC concluded that 98% of the locations within the project area are unserved meaning they lack broadband speeds of less than 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps upload. When the project is complete, the locations will have access to speeds of over 1 Gigabit per second.
“Bois Forte is continually working to improve the economic viability and quality of life for our bandmembers,” said Bois Forte Information Technology Director Randy Long. “Broadband service is one of the key areas we are focusing on. Currently, it is the largest barrier limiting us from competing and attracting jobs within the reservation area. It will also help our families be better connected to schools, medical facilities and cultural activities.”
Bois Forte Band of Chippewa (also referred to as Ojibwe) is a sovereign, federally recognized Native American Tribal Nation whose people have lived in northeastern Minnesota for centuries. Their reservation land is located within the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation service area. In addition to the residential homes, there are approximately 25 businesses that are either tribal government-owned or privately-owned.
Email Whitney Ridlon for Broadband Infrastructure grant information, or call her at 218-735-3004.