A collaborative broadband project in Alaska is expected to deliver multi-faceted, transformative benefits to the Athabascan community of Nenana, according to an announcement. The collaboration is between Nenana Native Association, Tanana Chiefs Conference, and Alaska Communications, a provider of communications infrastructure in Alaska.
The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 2 grant, funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), is allocated to fund fiber-to-the-home service to 362 residences, 30 businesses, and nine anchor institutions to the community located near Fairbanks, Alaska.
In addition to gaining reliable, affordable, and high-speed broadband, this project is expected to create new jobs for many in Alaska.
The Nenana Native Association will leverage Tanana Chiefs Conference’s comprehensive workforce development programs to provide residents with paid on-the-job training through this project. The partnership aims to hire at least two apprentices for the project’s two-year duration, who will gain hands-on experience for this and future careers in infrastructure projects in Alaska.
Additionally, apprentices will receive remote training through the National Coalition for Telecommunications and Information Technology Education (NCTI) program.
“Through the creation of local jobs and equitable access to healthcare and education, this project marks an exciting milestone for the storied community of Nenana,” said Alaska Communications President and CEO Paul Fenaroli in the project announcement.
Recognizing that affordability is an essential element of broadband access, Alaska Communications is committed to offering its consumer services at the same rates as it does in urban areas. A telecommunications subsidy for low-income consumers is provided by the company’s participation in the FCC’s Lifeline program.
Nenana can expect service to be available beginning in early 2027.
“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. …”
Alaska Communications was featured in the news last month for receiving another Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 2 grant funded by NTIA, for a middle mile subsea fiber project connecting Homer, Alaska to Kodiak Island, Alaska, as well as a last-mile fiber network that will offer Gigabit speeds.
