Wyandotte Telephone Co.

PROJECT PURPOSE

Provide fiber optic services through our exchange. This would eliminate the education gap and bridge the digital divide of all of our residents. Services would be improved from less than 1 meg in some areas to multi-gig services. Fiber would future proof the project, create a reliable network, and improve economic conditions of the area. The area currently has dsl services. These services are not adequate for the needs and demands of todays connected world. Our company is aggressively working to improve the broadband in these rural areas to maintain the ability to work from home, stay connected, educate, and use telehealth services. This would be a tremendous asset for this area.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The Wyandotte community is composed of multiple Native American tribes. While the pandemic adversely affects everyone, it has been shown that minorities have more complications and a greater possibility of death. With a community that is made up of minorities, improving the internet would help with health concerns. The people in the community could be likely to work from home, use telehealth, and do their school work. Working from home also offers them more options for better employment. This grant would be a tremendous boost to the health and economic nature of our community.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The project performance would be measured by the number of individuals that can receive multi-gig services. This is data is collected by attaining homes, businesses, and other areas available for services. Individuals would be contacted to inform them of services and offered the ability to connect to the network at low to no cost so that it is economically feasible for residents.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding