Southern Plains Cable - SPC - Otoe Tribal Area
This project involves the strategic deployment of fiber-based broadband infrastructure to address a well-documented and persistent lack of reliable, high-speed internet access in the project area. In this revised effort, Southern Plains Cable is partnering with Redwire, a tribally owned and operated LLC, to jointly close the digital divide that has left many households and businesses, particularly those within and adjacent to tribal lands, without access to an adequate minimum level of service, as defined by the BEAD program.\\n\\nThe need for this project arises from the absence of existing broadband infrastructure capable of delivering reliable, scalable, and affordable service. Residents in the proposed service area, including tribal citizens, face significant barriers to full participation in education, remote work, telehealth, and digital commerce. Without intervention, these communities will continue to fall further behind in key indicators of economic and social well-being, widening historical and structural inequities.\\n\\nDeploying fiber is the most cost-effective and future-proof solution to meet this need. While other technologies such as satellite and fixed wireless may provide temporary or limited relief, they typically fall short in meeting speed, latency, capacity, and reliability standards over the long term. Fiber infrastructure, by contrast, offers unparalleled scalability and durability, supporting symmetrical multi-gigabit speeds and adapting seamlessly to future technological demands.\\n\\nThis project was evaluated against alternative solutions, and fiber emerged as the most sustainable and cost-efficient option when considering lifecycle costs, performance, and ability to meet minimum service thresholds. The partnership with Redwire further enhances the projectâ€™s alignment with BEADâ€™s statutory goals by embedding local knowledge, cultural competency, and equitable access into the delivery model. Together, our organizations will ensure that the infrastructure investment is not only technically sound but also socially responsive and community-driven.\\n\\nIn summary, this project is a critical, targeted response to an identified broadband service gap and represents the most effective use of public funds to deliver long-lasting infrastructure that meets current and future connectivity needs, while also honoring tribal sovereignty, fostering inclusive development, and maximizing local benefit.