Connecting rural
Alaska with broadband

Alaska Village Initiatives (AVI) is proud to announce a transformative partnership with Tidal Network, a broadband enterprise of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, to deploy last-mile satellite broadband service to rural villages across Alaska. This initiative, known as the AVI Broadband Consortium Project, spans communities from the Arctic Northwest to the Kodiak Archipelago, bringing high-speed satellite internet to some of the most remote regions in the United States.

Made possible by a grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, this project marks a significant milestone in bridging the digital divide for Alaska Native communities and rural residents.

“Connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Charles Parker, CEO, at Alaska Village Initiatives. “This partnership empowers our communities with access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and cultural preservation tools that were previously out of reach.”.

Founded in 1968, Alaska Village Initiatives is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the economic well-being of rural Alaskans, particularly Alaska Native communities, through economic development, education, advocacy, and technical assistance.

Tidal Network, with its mission to expand broadband infrastructure in tribal communities, will provide on-the-ground expertise and support for deployment and community engagement.

“This is more than a technology upgrade, it’s a leap forward in equity and opportunity,” said Chris Cropley, Director, Tidal Network. “We’re proud to work alongside AVI to bring meaningful change to these villages.”.

The project rollout began with the Native Village of Mentasta on September 30. The AVI Broadband Consortium consists of 14 villages throughout Alaska, with service expected to begin for some villages by mid January.