Mohawk tribe eyes its own broadband network

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August 7, 2008

By DENISE A. RAYMO The Press Republican Thu Aug 07, 2008, 12:00 AM EDT

AKWESASNE -- The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe wants its own telecommunications system within two years to bring a fiber-optics network and high-speed Internet to the reservation.

The $25 million system could be financed through a low-interest, long-term Rural Utilities Service loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, similar to the plans under way with eight other American Indian tribes in the United States.

"We're working with the same goal of establishing the telecommunications company as a limited-liability corporation that is self-sustaining," Tribal Council Chief James Ransom said in a news release.

Special meetings will be held to inform the Akwesasne community about the proposed project and the 10-month research project that led to the Tribal Council's decision.

The study, conducted by Four Horizons Development Co., recommended that a telecommunications company is feasible and essential for the Mohawk community.

Residents there pay about $300,000 a year to off-reservation providers, and "keeping those dollars here in the community is important," said Chief Barbara Lazore.

She said 30 to 40 jobs could be created with the new system, which would enhance community teaching and learning, build new language- and cultural-preservation tools and develop new skills for area workers.

In addition to Internet and e-mail access, a local telecommunications system would improve community ties, build opportunities on a global scale and allow better management of government services, accounting and reporting.

"We'd like every home and business in the community to have access to a fiber-optic system," said Chief Monica Jacobs.

"Right now, we have no high-speed Internet service. The tribal telecommunications company would fill that need."

Ransom said the new system would help the community diversify its economy and attain self-sufficiency.

"Building a tribal broadband capacity and telecommunications network allows the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe to shape its own future by meeting community priorities."

draymo@pressrepublican.com