Native Network and Microsoft to Deliver Broadband Internet to Rural States

REDMOND, WA — On Thursday, Native Network and Microsoft Corp. announced an agreement to provide broadband internet access to approximately 73,500 unserved people in rural communities in Washington and Montana. The partnership is part of the Microsoft Airband Initiative, which aims to extend broadband access to 2 million people in unserved portions of rural America by July 4, 2022.

In the United States, there are 19.4 million people living in rural areas that lack access to a broadband internet connection, including approximately 40 percent of people living in rural Montana and 10 percent of people living in rural Washington. The FCC has also reported that about 35 percent of Americans living on tribal lands lack broadband access.

Providing Fixed-wireless Broadband to Native American Communities
Through the partnership, Native Network will provide affordable, hybrid, fixed-wireless broadband internet access, including TV White Spaces, to tribes within Flathead Reservation in Montana as well as Lummi Nation and Swinomish Tribe in Washington.

"Broadband is the electricity of the 21st century and is critical for farmers, small-business owners, health-care practitioners, educators and students to thrive in today's digital economy," said Microsoft President Brad Smith. "The partnership with Native Network will help close the digital divide in rural Montana and Washington, bringing access to approximately 73,500 people within and around the tribal communities."

"We are thrilled that Microsoft's goals align with Native Network's, which was formed in 2015 to work exclusively on telecom and technology projects in Indian country with a recent emphasis on distribution networks for internet access in unserved and underserved markets," said Jenny Rickel, Native Network co-founder and chief operating officer.

This partnership between Microsoft and Native Network will complement efforts from Governor Inslee in Washington and Governor Bullock in Montana to expand broadband access in the states. Governors in both states have offered strong support for closing the rural broadband gap in the U.S.

The Microsoft Airband Initiative is focused on bringing broadband coverage to rural Americans through commercial partnerships and investment in digital skills training for people in the newly connected communities. Proceeds from Airband connectivity projects will be reinvested into the program to expand broadband to more rural areas.