Native Network, Microsoft team on rural broadband in MT, WA

Nov. 13, 2018
Native Network and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) announced a new agreement to provide broadband Internet  access to approximately 73,500 ...

Native Network and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) announced a new agreement to provide broadband Internet access to approximately 73,500 unserved people in rural communities in Washington and Montana. The partnership is part of the Microsoft Airband Initiative, which aims to extend broadband access to 2 million people in unserved portions of rural America by July 4, 2022.

Through the partnership, Native Network will provide hybrid fixed-wireless broadband Internet access, including TV White Spaces, to tribes within Flathead Reservation in Montana as well as Lummi Nation and Swinomish Tribe in Washington.

"Broadband is the electricity of the 21st century and is critical for farmers, small-business owners, health-care practitioners, educators and students to thrive in today's digital economy," said Microsoft President Brad Smith. "The partnership with Native Network will help close the digital divide in rural Montana and Washington, bringing access to approximately 73,500 people within and around the tribal communities."

"We are thrilled that Microsoft's goals align with Native Network's, which was formed in 2015 to work exclusively on telecom and technology projects in Indian country with a recent emphasis on distribution networks for Internet access in unserved and underserved markets," said Jenny Rickel, Native Network co-founder and chief operating officer.

About the Author

BTR Staff

EDITORIAL
STEPHEN HARDY
Editorial Director and Associate Publisher
[email protected]
MATT VINCENT
Senior Editor
[email protected]
SALES
KRISTINE COLLINS
Business Solutions Manager
(312) 350-0452
[email protected]
JEAN LAUTER
Business Solutions Manager
(516) 695-3899
[email protected]

Sponsored Recommendations

Advances in Fiber & Cable

Oct. 3, 2024
Attend this robust webinar where advancements in materials for greater durability and scalable solutions for future-proofing networks are discussed.

The Road to 800G/1.6T in the Data Center

Oct. 31, 2024
Join us as we discuss the opportunities, challenges, and technologies enabling the realization and rapid adoption of cost-effective 800G and 1.6T+ optical connectivity solutions...

The AI and ML Opportunity

Sept. 30, 2024
Join our AI and ML Opportunity webinar to explore how cutting-edge network infrastructure and innovative technologies can meet the soaring demands of AI memory and bandwidth, ...

High-Speed Networking Event

Oct. 23, 2024
A Multi-Day online learning event crafted for optical communications professionals specializing in high-speed networking solutions Date: November 12-14Platinum Sponsor: AFLGold...