Bridging the digital divide is no small task. According to the Foundation for Rural Services (FRS) who examine this ongoing process of delivering connectivity to remote areas, broadband deployment in rural areas requires careful strategic planning.
Competent initial market analysis, creation of a solid business plan, appropriate engineering, and well-executed service delivery, maintenance, and ongoing upgrades are all things that need to be considered and tracked while installing new broadband infrastructure.
Another major component of rural deployment, which without all other considerations are impossible is, of course, labor.
“Additionally, the ability to hire skilled contractors for tasks such as fiber installation, tower construction, and network testing may be limited due to high demand and a shortage of qualified labor in many regions. [This] makes it even more imperative for providers to plan for delays and actively manage both supply chain logistics and contractor relationships to ensure successful and timely project completion.”
According to a report from the Foundation for Rural Service, many projects funded by the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment initiative are starting to roll out.
Late last year, National Telecommunications and Information Association Senior Policy Advisor, Will Arbuckle, estimated that tens of thousands of broadband telecommunications workers would be necessary to keep BEAD on time and on track.
Broadband Deployment in Rural Alaska
In a collaboration between Alaska Communications, Tanana Chief’s Conference, and Nenana Native Association, residents of Nenana Alaska – a community near Fairbanks – will soon have broadband access.
The broadband project – funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is expected to deliver many new opportunities to the Athabascan Alaska Native Community.
The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (Round 2) is allocated to provide 362 residences, 30 businesses and 9 institutions with fiber-to-the-home services.
This project is expected to bring not only high-speed, affordable and reliable internet to the people of Nenana, but also create several new job opportunities for them.
“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 has committed to offering its consumer service to the people of Nenana at the same price they charge in more developed Urban Areas.
Nenana can expect service to be available in early 2027.