Choggiung, Limited (“Choggiung”) is excited to announce that they have been awarded a $29,532,501 Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Infrastructure Deployment grant through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”). Choggiung will be partnering with Nushagak Electric & Telephone Cooperative (“NETC”) on the Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project to install a fiber connection from Levelock to Dillingham, as well as fiber to the home in Aleknagik and Dillingham.
The project will benefit Choggiung’s 700+ Dillingham-area based shareholders, 1,500+ Alaska Native/American Indian people, and all residents of the communities. Bringing fast, reliable internet means people here, far away from most modern infrastructure, will have access to new opportunities through this upgraded communications system including better access to education, health care solutions, economic development and entertainment that is affordable. This fiber-based network is future scalable and will ensure broadband to our communities remains urban equivalent.
Choggiung’s eligibility for this grant opportunity was made possible from support given by the Curyung Tribe. It is our combined belief that this effort, originating from within our region and having the betterment of our region and people at heart, will be a meaningful and lasting contribution to our continued growth, and sustainability for generations to come.
The project has been kicked off with permitting, environmental reviews, land acquisition or access, and historical preservation work. Construction is anticipated to begin in the winter of 2023 with broadband access for people becoming available in 2024.
