CHOCTAW, Miss. (WJTV) – The Band of Choctaw Indians in Mississippi has received an $8.43 million Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
The money will be used to fund the Tribal Broadband Program which will provide much needed internet access on Choctaw Tribe lands.
“With many school, business and service operations now conducted online, the need for broadband internet access is greater than ever,” said Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben. “Funds from this Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program grant will provide direct access to broadband inside homes and pave the way for the expansion of Wi-Fi, emergency services, access to tribal benefits and more. We will make high-speed broadband service available where, in many cases, none currently exists.
“As we move forward with technology improvements, grant funds will support the tribe with much-needed resources to finally bridge the digital divide and reach our communities quickly and directly,” Chief Ben continued. “On behalf of the Choctaw Indian Band of Mississippi, I share our gratitude to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for their consideration and recognition of these needs. Chi Yakokilih (Thank you!)”
The tribe applied for the TBCP grant in the fall of 2021. The grant funding will be used in part for the tribe’s partnership with MaxxSouth Broadband, whereby their existing broadband system will be expanded to serve more than 2,000 tribal homes. in six of the eight tribal communities.
When completed in 2023, tribal households that qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through MaxxSouth Broadband will have access to 650 Mbps broadband service at a nominal or free monthly cost.
Tribal households interested in this program and wanting to check their eligibility can call 662.728.8111 or visit MaxxSouth.com/ACPINFO.
