Commentary: Staying Connected

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Category: Op / Ed

Created on Wednesday, 18 September 2024 13:50

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Commentary: Staying Connected

Central Council of Tlingit & Haida
Indian Tribes of Alaska
Tidal Network Team
In today’s world, broadband access is not a luxury but a necessity. It has become an essential part of our daily lives and communities, keeping us connected, helping run our local businesses, and providing access to health care, education, and government services. In a remote region like Southeast Alaska, a lack of connectivity is more than just inconvenient – it poses serious risks to public safety and community well-being.
Sitkans recently faced this reality when a cut to an undersea fiber optic cable disconnected connectivity. The incident in Sitka highlights a larger issue: the ongoing digital divide in rural and tribal communities. Many areas still lack broadband, and this digital inequality threatens to widen socioeconomic gaps. Access to broadband is about more than staying connected  – it’s a key resource for community stability and development.
Tlingit and Haida’s Tidal Network is dedicated to bridging the digital divide in Southeast Alaska by providing broadband to underserved and unserved communities. We provide more than connectivity; we defend tribal sovereignty over the 2.5 GHz spectrum and prioritize digital equity, ensuring Alaska Native communities aren’t left behind in the digital age.

When Sitka’s internet went down, our team acted quickly, deploying 24 Starlink terminals to restore critical connections for hospitals, schools, emergency services, grocery stores, public Wi-Fi, and government operations, while our help desk remained on-call to provide ongoing technical support. This rapid response allowed Sitka to stay operational during the estimated two-week repair period.
Sitka’s situation reminds us of the importance of universal access to broadband and the critical role organizations like ours play. We’re not just providing internet; we’re ensuring communities have the tools they need for success. As we look ahead, Tidal Network remains committed to securing broadband access across Southeast Alaska. We will continue to collaborate with service providers and stakeholders to strengthen regional connectivity and ensure no community is left behind.