Native American-owned-and-governed Tribal Ready has partnered with Nokia to collaborate and share resources in securing broadband across Indian lands. They say they’ll bring broadband to the unserved and underserved portions of these areas.
Tribal Ready CEO Joe Valandra said, “Getting Tribes access to broadband has never been more important, and with deadlines for grants and broadband funding coming up, we are confident that this partnership will help Tribal Ready amplify its message and Nokia obtain its goal to maximize digital connection for all.”
Tribal Ready has been helping Native American communities access broadband funding through NTIA’s BEAD program. However, because the BEAD funding distribution is dependent on what the company calls the “inaccurate” FCC broadband location maps, Tribal Ready uses its Tribal Virtual Broadband Office to collect accurate data. This helps Tribes advocate for the appropriate funding they deserve, according to the company, which says it has expertise in communication network design and delivery to high-cost rural areas. “Our team has the knowledge and relationships vital for tribes to access broadband grant funding and the trust necessary to preserve culture and advance tribal sovereignty,” says Tribal Ready.
“Nokia realizes how critical broadband is to the success and well-being of all communities to enable them to prosper in the economies of the future,” said David Eckard, Head of Government Driven Broadband Initiatives and Partner Sales at Nokia. “We are proud to work with a company like Tribal Ready that is also committed to connecting people with the industry’s best technology to realize the full potential of disadvantaged communities across this country.”
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