DENVER, Colo. (December 5, 2022) – Magellan, the premier developer of next-generation broadband networks for utilities, co-ops and municipalities, has successfully secured $49.9 million for the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) for its Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project. 

The project funding comes from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) grant program. Tlingit & Haida plans to use the funding to connect more than 14,000 unserved Alaska Native households across Southeast Alaska by installing fixed wireless qualifying broadband service, deploying low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites and installing fiber for backhaul and data transmission. 

“Magellan’s vast experience with regard to the grant application process provided a comprehensive and detailed application that emphasized our need for broadband access,” says Tlingit & Haida President Richard Peterson. “Southeast Alaska is home to 33 communities and 20 tribal governments spread across more than 35,000 square miles that are largely remote and have limited road access. Broadband deployment is challenging and there are huge portions of unserved territory. Additionally, the broadband service that does exist is some of the costliest in the United States. Our collaboration with Magellan is going to give us the ability to connect our lands with broadband service that will transform their communities by providing access to telehealth, employment and remote learning opportunities.” 

“Lack of access to broadband continues to impact negatively the tribal entities across Alaska, and we were glad to have the opportunity to assist Tlingit & Haida with their goal of bringing broadband to their members,” says Magellan President and CEO John Honker. “We applaud them for their dedication to providing connectivity to their communities throughout Southeast Alaska and look forward to a strong partnership ahead.” 

TBCP is a nearly $3 billion grant program under the Biden Administration’s Internet for All Initiative. The funds are sourced via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. A second Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1 billion in funds from the Infrastructure bill will be announced in the coming months, and additional grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. 

About Tlingit & Haida 

The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) is a tribal government representing over 34,000 Tlingit and Haida Indians worldwide. Tlingit & Haida’s mission is to preserve our sovereignty, enhance our economic and cultural resources, and promote self-sufficiency and self-

governance for our citizens through collaboration, service, and advocacy. To learn more, visit Tlingit & Haida’s website at www.ccthita-nsn.gov.