Even with efforts to expand network coverage, there are still 18 million americans without broadband access with nearly a quarter of rural americans without broadband access

Isotruss, Inc. received a $124,593 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Project Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop a lightweight, modular mobile cell site. The SBIR program aims to support technological innovation through federal research funding.

Through this award, Isotruss will utilize its patented composite lattice structures to create a mobile cell site that can be assembled and disassembled quickly without heavy equipment. Weighing 12 times less than steel structures without compromising strength, the mobile cell sites will save space and transportation costs while expanding rural broadband access. This will support telehealth, distance learning, tourism, and disaster response in underserved areas.

The importance of closing the digital divide in network coverage between urban and rural areas has never been as apparent as during the recent worldwide pandemic. Lack of network access in rural areas prevents or disadvantages telehealth resources, distance learning, ecommerce, and remote work opportunities for residents and potential tourists. Events and programs such as traveling healthcare and tourist attractions may not be feasible without adequate available network coverage. This project proposes to create mobile cell sites that can provide temporary coverage quickly and easily. Isotruss INC. Designs and manufactures patented composite lattice structures that reduce weight by 12X compared to steel structures without compromising strength. These structures have been successfully applied to rural telecom towersbecause of their reduced weight and significantly lower installation and maintenance costs. In this project, isotruss will utilize its patented geometry to create a lightweight, space-saving mobile cell site that can be assembled and disassembled quickly without additional equipment. The proposed mobile cell site will save space, weigh less and last longer than current options. Expanded network coverage will improve rural community economies and quality of life by accommodating large sporting events, concerts and other tourist attractions. Mobile cell sites will also provide network access quickly during natural disasters when existing networks are damaged. The space and weight savings of the isotruss product will allow these mobile cell sites better transport and assembly in disaster-stricken areas.