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Project will bridge the digital divide and create local jobs
FAIRBANKS, Alaska, February 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alaskans living in the Athabascan community of Nenana will receive lifechanging broadband service, thanks to a Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 2 grant funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
The collaboration between Nenana Native Association, Tanana Chiefs Conference and Alaska Communications will bring fiber to the home service to 362 households, 30 businesses, and nine anchor institutions. This transformative effort is poised to bridge the digital divide, invigorate economic growth and improve opportunities for Nenana residents.
The reliable, affordable, high-speed connectivity delivered through this project will serve as the foundation for education, healthcare, economic growth and quality of life. In addition to eliminating the digital divide for residents, this project will generate new jobs for Alaskans.
The Nenana Native Association will tap into Tanana Chiefs Conference’s robust workforce development initiatives to offer residents paid on-the-job training opportunities through this project. The partners will seek to hire at least two apprentices for the two-year term of the project. The apprentices will have the opportunity to engage in project development, design, logistics and construction of the broadband network, preparing them for a future career supporting the network, as well as the many new projects coming to Alaska. Apprentices will receive remote telecommunications training through the National Coalition for Telecommunications and Information Technology Education (NCTI) program.
Affordability is a critical element of internet access and a necessary condition for economic growth. Alaska Communications commits to offering its consumer services at the same rates available in urban areas. It also participates in the FCC’s Lifeline program, which provides a telecommunications subsidy for low-income consumers.
"This project supports our vision for an innovative, bustling, diverse community which upholds quality education while preserving traditional ways of life," said JT Baker, Tribal Administrator, Nenana Native Association. "Access to broadband leads to improved healthcare, education and economic outcomes. We are excited to realize these improved outcomes on the lands where Athabascan people have lived for time immemorial. On behalf of our community, I thank the NTIA, along with Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, Congressman Begich, and Governor Dunleavy for their support bringing this important infrastructure to Alaska."