What's Happening?
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Administrator Arielle Roth visited Wrangell, Alaska, to observe Tlingit & Haida’s Tidal Network broadband infrastructure.
The visit aimed to provide a firsthand look at efforts to expand internet connectivity across Southeast Alaska. Roth was accompanied by NTIA officials, including Doug Kinkoph, Associate Administrator of NTIA’s Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth, and representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan. The delegation toured Tidal Network’s telecommunications infrastructure in Wrangell, which includes Tlingit & Haida’s first owned and constructed telecommunications tower, funded through NTIA’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. During her visit, Roth also met with Tlingit & Haida President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson in Juneau to discuss co-stewardship work and partnerships in managing traditional homelands.
Why It's Important?
This visit underscores the federal government's commitment to bridging the digital divide in rural and Tribal communities, particularly in geographically challenging regions like Southeast Alaska. The expansion of broadband infrastructure is critical for economic development, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life in these areas. Tlingit & Haida’s innovative approach, combining Tribal 2.5 GHz spectrum, fixed wireless technology, and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) backhaul, demonstrates effective strategies for overcoming the unique obstacles of delivering broadband in remote locations. The federal funding through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program highlights a targeted effort to empower Tribal nations in developing their own telecommunications solutions, fostering self-sufficiency and digital inclusion.
What's Next?
The insights gained from Assistant Secretary Roth’s visit will likely inform future federal funding decisions and policy initiatives aimed at expanding broadband access in similar underserved regions. Continued collaboration between federal agencies like NTIA and Tribal entities such as Tlingit & Haida is expected to drive further infrastructure development. The success of the Tidal Network could serve as a model for other Tribal communities facing similar connectivity challenges. Future efforts will likely focus on scaling these successful models, securing additional funding, and addressing any remaining regulatory or technical hurdles to ensure widespread, reliable internet access across rural Alaska and other remote areas.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative to expand broadband in Southeast Alaska goes beyond mere internet access; it is a critical component of digital equity and sovereignty for Tribal nations. By owning and operating their telecommunications infrastructure, Tlingit & Haida is not only providing essential services but also asserting greater control over their digital future. This model can reduce reliance on external providers and ensure that connectivity solutions are tailored to the specific needs and cultural contexts of the community. Furthermore, the co-stewardship discussions highlight the broader importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge and Tribal governance into modern infrastructure projects, fostering sustainable development that respects indigenous land management practices. This holistic approach can lead to more resilient and culturally appropriate technological advancements.
