FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bishop Paiute Tribe Awarded $6.3 million Broadband Connectivity GrantProject will provide internet to unserved homes on the Bishop Paiute Reservation
December 16, 2024
WASHINGTON -- Monday, the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has recommended for award $6,307,410 for the Bishop Paiute Tribe's Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Project.
The Tribe, with assistance from global digital inclusion non-profit The N50 Project (https://n50project.org/) was one of only six Tribes in California to receive grants under this second round of funding. This infrastructure deployment project will provide access to high-speed Internet (at least 1000 Mbps of symmetrical service) to approximately 140 households via fiber to the home technologies across the Bishop Paiute Tribal Reservation. The project is expected to begin in June of 2025 and be completed in May of 2027.
"Access to affordable, reliable Internet is not a luxury - it's a necessity," said Phil Fowler, IT Director of the Bishop Paiute Tribe. "That's why this historic investment to connect Tribal communities is so important. This award will ensure that residents of the Bishop Paiute Reservation have the internet connections they need to take advantage of digital opportunities for work, education, health care, and other essential services." Investment in high-quality broadband infrastructure, affordable service, and programs that support digital enablement are strategic priorities for the Bishop Paiute Tribe, who aim to bring all the benefits of connectivity to every member of their community for years to come.
The funding from the nearly $3 billion Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Internet for All Initiative. These grants are from the second round of funding, which made nearly $1 billion available for the deployment of Internet infrastructure on Tribal Lands, affordability programs, telehealth and distance learning initiatives.
The Bishop Paiute Tribe is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on its 879 acre Bishop Paiute Reservation in Inyo County, California. The Reservation was formed under Congressional Act 5299, P.L. No. 43 of April 20, 1937. The Tribe is committed to the well being of its people. For more information please contact the Bishop Paiute Tribe at (760) 873-3584.