Objectives of NTIA Funding
The Yakaas Na initiative is funded through a broadband use & adoption grant provided by the NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. Through the NTIA funding our objectives aim to inspire community members and leaders to use the internet to it's fullest potential for the benefit of their community.
Broadband Use & Adoption.
Use & Adoption aims to address broadband education, awareness, and training. In practical terms this means workshops, webinars, face-to-face trainings, and informational content that covers everything from the basics of the internet, what it is and how to use it, to more complex issues like data sovereignty.
Building Partnerships
Broadband is the new electricity. The innovation in economic development that drove electricity to an essential utility is at our doorstep with broadband. A primary objective of the Yakaas Na (light stream) initiative is to build partnerships that grow economic development in the Copper River Basin. By engaging community partners like Tribes, Anchor Institutions, Corporations, Business owners, Emergency Services Providers, First Responders, Federal and State Agencies with the aim of building a road map that enables funding for economic development to flow into the region.
2.5 Ghz Implementation Planning.
The electro magnetic spectrum is a limited natural resource. Much of our modern society (from x-rays to cell phones) is driven by wireless spectrum. With the Tribes ownership of 2.5 Ghz wireless spectrum there is an opportunity to significantly expand the availability of wireless services across the basin. Examples include geo-location for first responders, or early warning sensors for flooding. With sights on expanded service for the copper river basin our planning initiative is to put the spectrum to use for the benefit of the Copper River region.
Identify Funding Opportunities.
Money is what enables projects to get done. The federal and state governments are initiating a historic level of funding for infrastructure, in particular broadband. In partnering with Tribes, Anchor Institutions, Corporations, Business owners, Emergency Services Providers, First Responders, Federal and State Agencies our goal is to build a resource bank of funding opportunities that partners can leverage for expanded broadband, improved infrastructure, and greater economic development for the Copper River Valley.