Alaska Federation of Natives

The project will implement seven activities aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by Alaskan Natives preventing broadband adoption and use:

• Conduct needs assessments and surveys among target populations to determine challenges and local needs;
• Distribute broadband capable devices through partner organizations;
• Design and implement a training program to build digital skills and familiarity with broadband resources and technology among Alaskan Native populations;
• Implement a workforce development program to train individuals for future careers in the IT field;
• Train and deploy 10 “Circuit Riders” to serve as technicians for local communities, maintain program resources, and provide expertise and training related to broadband technology;
• Provide a broadband subsidy between $75-150 a month to support broadband affordability for Alaskan Native households. Alaska Federation of Natives will work with eligible recipients to ensure that they sign up for the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program’s $75 monthly subsidy for those living on Tribal lands and will provide an additional subsidy of up to $150 per month where necessary. AFN has developed safeguards to prevent duplication of funding, which it has committed to implementing if it receives a TBCP award, in accordance with TBCP Specific Award Condition 14 (No Duplication of Federal Funding); and
• Equip local tribal health care facilities with various telehealth enabled devices and train local health aides in accessing telehealth resources and services.