Access to broadband, a longstanding unmet need in rural areas which was spotlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, is getting a boost for the Winnebago Tribe in the amount of $35 million from the Infrastructure, Investments, and Jobs Act (IIJA).

The announcement detailed 602 unserved households, 40 businesses, and 16 community anchor institutions, all associated with the Tribe, which will receive direct connection.

“We see this as a huge advancement that will open the door for new opportunities for education, commerce and communication on the Winnebago Reservation,” said Victoria Kitcheyan, tribal chairwoman with the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. “The lack of adequate bandwidth was particularly emphasized during the pandemic.”

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