SALMONet represents a consortium of 16 tribes from Bristol Bay united to address one of rural Alaska’s most pressing challenges: reliable and affordable internet access. Using grant funding awarded by federal, state, and private entities, SALMONet is building the infrastructure necessary to connect these remote communities to high-speed broadband. This transformative project bridges the digital divide, bringing essential services like telehealth, online education, and remote work opportunities within reach for thousands of residents.
Access to reliable internet is about more than connectivity; it’s about access and empowerment. For traditional Alaska Native villages, broadband is a gateway to prosperity, supporting cultural revitalization, language preservation, and sustainable economic development. Through holistic, locally-driven approaches, SALMONet builds tribal capacity while addressing the digital barriers that create educational, economic, and social disadvantages. Coordinated with regional partners, such as Alaska Tribal Broadband (ATB) and SGV, the SALMONet project will transform the region, directly and indirectly connecting 27 communities and over 6,200 residents. By bringing these unserved areas up to 300/30 Mbps service, SALMONet is empowering Bristol Bay to thrive in the modern era.
“Alaska has lagged behind the rest of the country in broadband Internet access for too long. Access to the Internet is now essential for everyday life. Even checking on hunting and fishing season opening dates/times for subsistence harvests now often requires visiting a website for the most up-to-date information. Our rural Alaskan communities deserve the same level of access to government services, healthcare, education, and commerce as the rest of the state.”
Mary Peltola
Our Partners
