The Ute Indian Tribe will soon receive major upgrades to internet and telecommunications services for its membership. The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded the tribe over $15.8 million dollars in grant funds to help fund the development of a Tribally-owned broadband system. This will connect 590 unserved Tribal member households as well as Indian-owned businesses and organizations on the Uintah and Ouray Reservation. “We are excited to take control over broadband on our Reservation,” says Ute Indian Tribe Business Committee Chairman Shaun Chapoose. “Access to reliable internet and cellular service is an expectation in today’s society. Yet, many of our members have been left behind. As Tribal leaders, our goal is to help ensure all of our members have access to these basic resources.”
