Fiber To The Home
Oneida Nation Received $6.6M Grant to Enhance Internet Services
Oneida Reservation (January 17, 2025) – The Oneida Nation has been awarded a $6.6 million grant to implement a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) project across the reservation from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) through its Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP). This initiative, in partnership with Nsight, a leading provider of telecommunications and technology solutions, aims to provide high-speed internet access to up to 560 homes within the community.
The project is expected to significantly enhance broadband connectivity, supporting various services such as education, telehealth, and economic development, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents on the reservation. Together, the Oneida Nation and Nsight will work to implement cutting-edge broadband solutions that meet the unique needs of the community, expanding their established partnership. This effort reflects a commitment to closing the digital divide and ensuring that all community members have access to reliable internet services. The areas impacted by the service include homes in the southwest, southeast and northeast corners of the Oneida Nation Reservation.
“Oneida’s mission statement, ‘A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.,’ fits well with our goal of bringing fiber to people on the reservation,” said Nate Villarreal, Senior Network Analyst at Oneida Nation. “With a solid plan and strong partnership with Nsight, we see this project being successful.”
“This partnership is about more than technology; it’s about connecting people, fostering innovation and creating new opportunities,” said Brighid Riordan, CEO of Nsight. “We look forward to continue working with the Oneida Nation to deliver resources needed for individuals and businesses to thrive in today’s increasingly connected world.”
The Oneida Nation is excited to have received this grant to allow the expansion of internet services across the reservation. The DTS (Digital Technology Services) is leading the project and focused on providing the Oneida Nation with secure, safe communication services across the reservation.
Other publications:TMJ4, Kalihwisak’s
Community Message
**Follow-Up on the $6.6 Million Grant for High-Speed Data Access**
Dear Oneida Nation Community,
We are excited to share further details regarding the recent announcement of the $6.6 million grant awarded to our Digital Technology Services (DTS) department. This funding represents a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance high-speed data access for our community, particularly for those identified as underserved.
As we embark on this multi-year project, we want to emphasize that we are currently in the planning phase. This involves careful consideration of design, construction, and testing before we can begin rolling out services to the community at large. We appreciate your patience as we navigate this process.
It is important to clarify that the grant funding is specifically allocated for the initial installation of fiber optic infrastructure to homes identified by the federal government as lacking adequate high-speed data access. While this project aims to improve connectivity, it is essential to understand that high-speed data access will not be free. Ongoing maintenance, installation, equipment replacement, upgrades, and customer service costs will need to be covered to ensure the sustainability of the services provided.
Please note that not every home will be impacted by this grant. The focus is on homes with limited options for high-speed data access. Addresses already serviced by providers such as Spectrum, Bright Speed, TDS Fiber, and Bug Tussel are unlikely to be included in this initiative. Please check the Federal Communications Commission website for coverage information at your address(https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home).
For the most current information regarding the grant and the status of the project, we encourage you to visit the Oneida Nation website at Oneida-nsn.gov. Navigate to the Business section, then to Digital Technology Services, and select the Oneida Broadband Initiatives and Fiber To The Home (FTTH) link.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to bring improved connectivity to our community.
Internet providers in your area: BroadbandNow, FCC, allconnect
