Sanwire subsidiary Aero Networks has signed an up to $1.2 million exclusive agreement with the non-profit Oso Vista Ranch Project (OVRP) of Ramah Navajo Nation in New Mexico to manage OVRP's broadband Community Connect grant application with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Services (USDA-RUS).
The OVRP reservation is home to roughly 1,700 residents. Approximately 3 percent of homes in the community have access to the Internet via slow and expensive satellite services. The lack of broadband service has prevented OVRP from providing distance learning coursework through their partnership with New Mexico State University.
Combative of this challenge, OVRP has exclusively contracted the design, build, and equipment procurement of the new network to Aero's New Mexico office. The contract is subject to USDA-RUS normal approval, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2013, with installation and deployment slated to begin in the first quarter of 2014.
"This project will significantly impact the lives of people in the coverage footprint area," Les Matthews, general manager of Aero's New Mexico office, stated in the press release. "The area suffers some of the highest unemployment in the country, and its household income is half that of the average household income in the state."
OVRP's broadband network will deliver 100 Mbps of Internet bandwidth to the Ramah Navajo Pueblo. Critical community facilities, such as OVRP's community center, school, medical clinic, tribal offices, and police, will receive free 10 Mbps Internet service for two years while all other commercial enterprises and residents will have access to the fixed wireless service at nominal commercial pricing.
"We are excited about adding the Oso Vista Ranch Project and the Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation as our client in New Mexico," Rick Bjorklund, president of Aero, stated. We are proud to bring the benefits of broadband and wireless communications to communities like this, and give the citizens quality Internet access with a sustainable operating business model. Aero has partnered with many rural communities for similar projects including clients in Oklahoma, Missouri and Mississippi."
In addition to the tribal lands that will benefit from the grant, four other communities on the outskirts of the tribal boundaries will also have access to the new Aero-OVRP network.
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