Staff Reports | Science & Technology
Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego announced a $1,651,165 grant to deploy broadband connectivity within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
The funding was awarded through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, which was made possible by Kelly’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, according to a press release.
This funding will provide resources to expand high-speed internet access and bridge the digital divide for Tribal residents, the release states.
The program, administered by Saddleback Communications, will deliver critical resources to improve internet access across the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, officials in Sen. Kelly’s office tell the Digital Free Press.
This funding will provide subsidies for broadband services and managed Wi-Fi, ensuring that residents have access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. Additionally, the program will offer digital literacy classes to equip community members with the skills they need to fully utilize these services.
“Reliable and affordable broadband access is essential for education, healthcare, and economic growth,” Sen Kelly said in a prepared statement. “This funding will ensure that families and businesses in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community can stay connected, access critical services, and take advantage of new opportunities.”
Sen. Gallego echoed a similar sentiment.
“Access to reliable and affordable internet is necessary to succeed in today’s digital economy. This funding will make a real difference for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community by expanding internet access, improving affordability, and creating more opportunities for education, healthcare and jobs,” Sen. Gallego said.
Sen. Kelly’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes historic investments in repairing and modernizing America’s critical infrastructure, including expanding access to high-speed broadband and making internet service more affordable for Arizona families.
“Affordable, reliable internet is a necessity for our children, workforce, and future,” said Martin Harvier, President of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community. “This grant gives our telecom company the opportunity to serve those citizens who need it most. I am grateful for the partnership with Senator Kelly, Sen. Gallego and the rest of the congressional delegation which made this investment possible.”
