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Two organizations, Reagan Smith, Inc. and Eastern Shawnee Professional Services, are partnering to strengthen their offerings to tribal communities undertaking broadband build projects.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Two firms that provide a wealth of services to tribal communities, including project management, engineering and design service, grant and environmental compliance, are teaming up to expand their efforts to support tribal communities embarking on broadband infrastructure builds.
The companies, Reagan Smith, Inc. and tribal-owned Eastern Shawnee Professional Services (ESPS) announced the partnership to close out the month in October.
ESPS is owned by the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, according to the company’s website.
ESPS COO Judy Reagan said the partnership with Reagan Smith, Inc. will help ESPS “bring broadband to more tribal nations while honoring their cultural and regulatory needs.”
Reagan’s comments were included in the Oct. 31 announcement about the partnership.
“This connection will provide access to critical support and resources vital for long-term community growth,” Reagan said.
According to a summary of Reagan Smith, Inc., the firm began working with tribal communities on broadband deployments back in 2005.
“We’re excited to partner with ESPS on these vital infrastructure projects,” said Reagan Smith Tribal Project Specialist Lee Vasquez Ilaoa.
Tribes often ‘at a loss’ for quality broadband advisory services
According to Ilaoa, tribes are often “at a loss” regarding sources of reliable advice on broadband builds.
Ilaoa said tribes need guidance on a range of particular issues, including advice on how to protect natural resources, cultural heritage, and regarding the streamlining of compliance.
“Together, we have created a powerful team to support tribal broadband initiatives fostering opportunities for education, healthcare and economic growth, all while respecting the environment and cultural heritage of Tribal communities,” Ilaoa said.
The announcement about the new partnership comes during an unprecedented window of opportunity for tribal nations to deploy infrastructure to provide high-speed internet, according to the release.
“According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), nearly 28% of Tribal land residents lack high-speed internet compared to 1.5% of urban residents,” the release stated. “This digital divide limits access to essential services like telehealth, remote education and e-commerce, making it harder for tribal nations to thrive in an increasingly connected world and preventing remote work opportunities.”
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