Sixteen (16) tribes from Bristol Bay formed the consortium Southwest Alaska Long-haul Microwave Optical Network (SALMONet) to submit an infrastructure request to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) in Round 1 in 2021. NTIA awarded $8 million to the Igiugig Village Council to support broadband infrastructure and non-infrastructure development for the 16 participant tribes. Additionally, Group C communities served by Bristol Bay Telephone Cooperative, Inc. were awarded a United States Department of Agriculture ReConnect Round 5 Grant for approximately $35 million.
Vision
SALMONet will be considered a success when 300/30 Mbps unlimited service is available to all of Bristol Bay, at the same cost to every subscriber, regardless of where they live. The initiative seeks to foster economic diversity and prosperity by creating new in-region jobs in the telecommunications and eCommerce sectors. Development Training Centers will aim to equip residents with the skills needed to fill remote and telework opportunities worldwide.
Who we serve
For thousands of years, the native people of Bristol Bay have stewarded the bio-diverse lands and subsisted on the bay's natural resources.
SALMONet Focus by Group
SALMONet Focus by Group
SALMONet Focus by Group
SALMONet is addressing broadband needs across different community groups by focusing on last-mile deployment, developing new infrastructure, and ensuring digital equity. Read more about the efforts for each group based on their current stage of broadband development.
Group A
SALMONet Focus by Group
SALMONet Focus by Group
- Iliamna
- Newhalen
- Kokhanok
- Pedro Bay
- Igiugig
- Nondalton
SALMONet is supporting deployment of last-mile connectivity. An NTIA Round 2 application was submitted that proposed building out from GCI's
existing middle-mile infrastructure to connect homes and businesses.
Group B
SALMONet Focus by Group
Group B
- Port Heiden
- Pilot Point
SALMONet is preparing a BEAD funding application to develop both middle-mile and last-mile solutions.
Group C
SALMONet Focus by Group
Group B
- Chignik Bay
- Ekwok
- King Salmon
- Levelock
- Naknek
- South Naknek
- Koliganek
- New Stuyahok
These communities are already receiving broadband through grants to GCI and Bristol Bay Telephone Cooperative. SALMONet's focus is on providing digital equity support, equitable pricing, and workforce
development.
Our Partners
