Project purpose: this equitable distribution project will complete four fully engineered, environmentally permitted, and shovel-ready fiber-to-the-home (ftth) network designs

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration awarded the Cheyenne Arapaho Tribe $496,003 on August 1, 2026, under the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (CFDA 11.029) to develop fiber-to-the-premises network designs and implement workforce development programming.

The recipient will create four fully engineered, environmentally permitted, and shovel-ready fiber-to-the-home network designs serving the unserved communities of Ruby, Galena, Nulato, and Koyukuk in interior and western Alaska. These designs are intended to unlock future construction funding, support long-term network sustainability, and ensure middle-mile compatibility. Concurrently, the Cheyenne Arapaho Tribe will implement a three-year, technology-focused workforce development program based in Holy Cross, Alaska, to equip early-career residents with relevant skills and industry certifications while creating pathways into remote internships or job placement opportunities.

The award benefits five tribal communities: Ruby, Galena, Nulato, Koyukuk, and Holy Cross. Performance occurs at the recipient's administrative location in Concho, Oklahoma, with work and direct beneficiary engagement in Alaska. The period of performance runs from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027. The project includes no sub-recipients.

Expected outcomes

This project will result in the following outcomes: generate network designs that can unlock future construction funding, support long-term sustainability, and middle mile compatibility; and equip early-career residents with relevant skills and certifications while creating pathways into remote internships or job placement.

Intended beneficiaries

This project intends to benefit five tribal communities in interior and western alaska: ruby, galena, nulato, koyukuk, and holy cross.

Subrecipient activities

There are no subrecipients included in this project.