Fort Mojave Indian Tribe & City of Needles celebrate high-speed internet

NEEDLES – In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe and the City of Needles have celebrated the launch of a high-speed internet expansion project aimed at enhancing digital connectivity for the Tribe and surrounding communities. The initiative addresses the longstanding digital divide in the region, providing residents with improved access to online education, telehealth services, and economic opportunities.
The ambitious project involves the installation of state-of-the-art fiber-optic infrastructure, delivering reliable and ultra-fast internet services to previously underserved areas. This development is expected to have a significant positive impact on the community, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
Key Features
Fiber-Optic Infrastructure: The deployment of fiber-optic cables ensures high-speed internet access with greater bandwidth and reliability compared to traditional connections. The network is built to support speeds up to 10 Gbps, future-proofing the community’s connectivity needs.
Community Collaboration: The joint effort between the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe and the City of Needles exemplifies a successful partnership focused on community development. This collaboration highlights the power of local entities working together to address common challenges.
Anticipated Benefits
Educational Advancement: Enhanced internet connectivity facilitates access to online learning platforms, benefiting students and educators. It opens doors to remote education opportunities that were previously inaccessible.
Healthcare Access: Improved bandwidth supports telehealth services, allowing residents to consult with medical professionals remotely. This is particularly beneficial for those with limited mobility or residing in remote areas.
Economic Development: Reliable internet service attracts businesses and enables local entrepreneurs to engage in e-commerce, stimulating economic growth. It creates new job opportunities and encourages innovation within the community.
Fort Mojave Tribal Council Chairman Tim Williams expressed his appreciation for the collaborative effort. ”This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision,” he said. ”Our past leaders had the foresight to understand the importance of connectivity, and today we are building upon that legacy.”
Needles Mayor Janet Jernigan also praised the initiative. ”High-speed internet has become as essential as water and electricity,” she remarked. ”We are grateful to the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe for bringing affordable internet to our city. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey toward a more connected and prosperous community.”
The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe has been proactive in addressing connectivity challenges. Through Fort Mojave Telecommunications, Inc. (FMTI), the Tribe has provided internet and telephone services to areas including Mohave Valley, Needles, and Fort Mohave. The current expansion builds upon these efforts, extending high-speed internet access to a broader population.
In 2022, FMTI was awarded $7 million under Round 3 of the USDA Rural Development’s ReConnect Program to improve high-speed internet service in Needles. An additional $13.5 million loan-grant combination under ReConnect Round 4 supports the expansion in the Mohave Valley area of Arizona.
Residents interested in learning more about the high-speed internet services can visit ftmojave.com or contact Fort Mojave Telecommunications at 928-346-2500 or via email at contact@ftmojave.net.