Government Technology

Bringing Wireless Broadband to the Rural Alaskan Village of Kasaan


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November 19, 2007 By

Wireless broadband technology that will bring telemedicine, distance learning and other benefits to the people of Kasaan is now a reality with the completion of a successful collaborative effort between Alaska Power & Telephone Company (AP&T), and the Organized Village of Kasaan (OVK).

Completion of the work and delivery of wireless broadband services to Kasaan, an Alaskan Native community located 25 miles west of Ketchikan on Prince of Wales Island, was announced today by AP&T and OVK.

OVK's persistence in pursuing Internet access for their rural community led them to take note of AP&T's success in bridging the digital gap in other rural Alaskan locations. The procurement of $1 million in grant funds under the Federal "Community Connect Broadband Grant Program" fueled both hope and a cooperative effort to build the infrastructure necessary for the village to gain high-speed access to the outside world.

Construction on the project began in early 2007. The scope of the project and grant encompassed construction of a mountain-top antenna site above the village on Kasaan Mountain, formation of a community technology center, and delivery of Internet service as well as more than a dozen computers and the other equipment needed to move Kasaan into the digital era. Richard Peterson, president of OVK, states, "AP&T has come alongside us in a manner that has been simply astounding. They have responded to our community in a way few others would."

Certain immediate key benefits to the community will be met by access to broadband technology. These include access to telemedicine, distance learning, connection to other tribal organizations, reduction of travel costs and personal skill-set training in computer and data technologies. It is hoped that by enhancing the local quality of life, business and tribal members will be encouraged to return or stay in Kasaan.


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