N.Y. Tribe Wants Its Own Broadband Network

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe in New York is considering developing its own broadband network, the Press Republican reported today. The $25 million network, which could be financed through a low-interest, long-term Rural Utilities Service loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, would save the community $300,000 a year, which is what its members and businesses pay to outside providers, and create 30 to 40 reservation-based jobs. "We'd like every home and business in the community to have access to a fiber-optic system," Chief Monica Jacobs told the Press Republican. Eight other tribes have similar plans in the works.