Crossing The Technology Desert - Rural and Tribal Broadband

This presentation would address the current problems servicing rural and tribal areas, the reasons for, and new initiatives to fix these problems. Rural and tribal …

This presentation would address the current problems servicing rural and tribal areas, the reasons for, and new initiatives to fix these problems. Rural and tribal broadband has been a problem since the first long-haul routes were built. The model of economic incentive at the time was not conducive to landing fiber in sparsely populated areas or where right-of-way owners caused delays or impasses. The divide between the haves (broadband, cell) and have-nots has now caused a socio-economic and cultural catastrophe that few could have imagined. There is a changing tide that is now allowing these routes to be built. The primary driver is the rise of the hyperscale content provider and their need for diversity and capacity that is allowing new routes to be built. We can capitalize from these routes by connecting the formerly bypassed areas that are along or near the new running lines. There are significant changes in tribal politics which are also providing access to trusted partners where none existing prior. Add the government economic incentives and the time is right to finally fix this inequity that we take for granted in heavily connected areas. This presentation will not deep dive into the technical details of fiber. If specifics are desired, construction information can be presented, but that would most likely be better served with company specific information outside of this presentation. This presentation would discussing the changing climate and what it means to these affected areas, as well as present the benefit to the content providers, carriers, partners, and end users. The presentation would be given by Matt Rantanen, Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association, Tribal Digital Village Network/Initiative, Chairman of the Board for Native Public Media, FCC Native Nations Broadband Task Force. Matt is of Cree ancestry and is involved with all aspects of empowering tribal lands through technology. He’s also 6-‘6", fully tattooed, and hangs out with Slayer.