The Skagway Traditional Council is offering free internet service to senior residents. The council received a large federal grant to provide service to tribal members, and is extending the opportunity to applicants over 60 years old.
The Skagway Traditional Council was awarded just over $2 million in federal funds, allowing them to offer free internet to seniors living in Skagway.
Tribal Administrator Sara Kinjo-Hisher applied for the grant that is making it possible.
Kinjo-Hisher: “We applied for a grant to provide free internet to our members, and we were able to expand that program to any seniors living in Skagway at this time.”
Kinjo-Hisher says she worked with utility company, Alaska Power and Telephone to get the grant from the National Telecommunication and Information Administration.
The NTIA is a federal agency focused on expanding internet access in America. Part of that mission is to bring remote, rural communities online. The agency administers a tribal connectivity program. The program awards funds to tribal governments nationwide, to pay for infrastructure or provide free internet. Over 20 tribal entities in Alaska have received funding so far.
Kinjo-Hisher says the $2 million grant will pay for free internet for up to 120 people or businesses for years to come. She says around 40 tribal members are being served, and the council decided to invite all senior residents to join the program. Kinjo-Hisher says the response has been swift.
Kinjo-Hisher: “I’ve only posted on Facebook yesterday and we’ve gotten quite a few applications turned in already. So it looks like it’s going pretty well.”
Kinjo-Hisher says the tribal council will keep enrollment open until the program fills up.
Kinjo-Hisher: “I hope it helps everybody out and decrease the monthly cost for things, and continue to connect to people and work and health care and school, all those essential things.”
She says the program is ongoing. Once an application has been received, the assistance will be provided for the next billing cycle.
