Oglala Sioux Tribe Awarded $19.6 Million Grant to Enhance Broadband Connectivity

Published August 23, 2024

The Oglala Sioux Tribe has been awarded a $19,620,766 grant from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) to significantly improve internet access across the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. This funding will facilitate the construction of a last-mile broadband network, directly connecting 1,821 unserved Native American households with fixed wireless service offering speeds up to 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload.

The proposed project will include the following:

  • Deploy 15 RAN (Radio Access Network) sites, including a base station and ancillary equipment. 
  • Construct eight new tower sites using above-ground foundations and two guyed towers constructed with guy wires to provide stability in high wind situations. 
  • Deploy 10 microwave links to provide backhaul connectivity to RAN sites, including two microwave repeater sites.
  • Deploy 41km (approximately 26 miles) of fiber between Pine Ridge, South Dakota and Rushville, Nebraska. 
  • Deploy 149km (approximately 93 miles) of fiber connecting seven RAN sites. 

The TBCP, administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), is a nearly $3 billion initiative aimed at expanding high-speed internet access in tribal communities. Funded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program supports broadband deployment, digital inclusion, workforce development, telehealth, and distance learning.

This grant is part of the first round of awards, which have collectively provided over $457 million to 60 tribal entities. The Oglala Sioux Tribe’s project is poised to bridge the digital divide on the Pine Ridge Reservation, enabling residents to engage in remote education, telemedicine, remote work, and other online activities essential in today’s digital economy.

Oglala Lakota Telecommunication is responsible for the implementation and deployment of all broadband services on the lands of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Information Technology Division will oversee the implementation of this project, ensuring that the infrastructure meets the community’s needs and aligns with the Tribe’s commitment to digital sovereignty.

This development marks a significant step toward closing the connectivity gap in tribal lands, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s members.

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