$54.5M Broadband expansion planned for Pine Ridge

PINE RIDGE – Oglala Lakota Telecommunications (OLT), a 100% tribally owned telecommunications company, announced today that two major broadband infrastructure projects totaling $54.5 million, marking one of the most significant expansions of high-speed internet access in the history of the Pine Ridge Reservation.

These transformative initiatives will expand reliable broadband service to thousands of residents, businesses, and community institutions, strengthening education, healthcare, economic development, public safety, and digital sovereignty across the region.

The combined investment includes a $19.6 million NTIA Fixed Wireless Project supported by fiber optic backhaul infrastructure and a $34.9 million Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) project funded through the USDA ReConnect Program.

“Getting the pilot project advanced will go a long way toward solidifying who we are as a company,” said Dwight Weston, OLT Board Secretary/Treasurer.

$19.6 Million NTIA Fixed Wireless Project

The Fixed Wireless Project will deploy advanced wireless broad-band technology powered by robust fiber optic backhaul. The project will deliver reliable, high-speed internet service to 99.94% of currently unserved locations on the reservation.

By leveraging strategically placed fiber-fed wireless towers, OLT will bring scalable, high-capacity broadband to areas where traditional wired infrastructure can be difficult and time-intensive to construct. The integration of fiber backhaul ensures strong network performance, low latency, and the capacity to meet growing bandwidth demands for years to come.

“This project closes the digital divide for nearly every unserved location on Pine Ridge. Reliable broadband is no longer a luxury; it is essential infrastructure that is a human right. This $54.5 million investment secures the Oglala Lakota Nation’s digital sovereignty and ensures that our people, no matter how remote, have access to education, telehealth, economic opportunity, emergency services, and cultural preservation. We are grateful for the support of Tribal Council, each of the standing committees, and our district representatives. With their support, we are building fiber and advanced fixed wireless infrastructure that will strengthen our Nation for generations to come.”

Petra Wilson, Chairperson, OLT Board of Directors

$34.9 Million Fiber-to-the- Home ReConnect Project

OLT’s second major initiative is a $34.9 million Fiber-to-the-Home project serving a Proposed Funded Service Area (PFSA) entirely classified as Frontier and Remote Area (FAR) Level 4 — the highest level of remoteness recognized under federal broadband programs.

This future-focused fiber network will bring direct, high-speed connectivity to homes and businesses in the communities of:
• Swett
• Batesland
• Denby
• Wounded Knee
• Manderson
• Porcupine
• Sharps Corner
• The outskirts of Kyle

The service area includes approximately 4,137 people, 846 households, 13 businesses, and 9 community anchor institutions, including schools, healthcare facilities, and public service organizations.

Fiber-to-the-home infrastructure offers unmatched speed, reliability, and long-term scalability. The network will support multi-gigabit capabilities and provide the digital foundation necessary to serve future generations.

“Bringing fiber directly to homes in some of the most remote areas of our nation is transformational,” said Wilson. “This investment empowers our youth, strengthens our healthcare systems, supports tribal sovereignty, and creates the digital foundation for long-term economic growth.”

Strengthening the Future of Pine Ridge

Together, these projects represent a comprehensive strategy to expand both immediate and longterm broadband access across the reservation. By combining fixed wireless coverage for widespread reach with fiber-to-the-home infrastructure in highly remote communities,

OLT is building a resilient and future-ready communications network.

Expanded broadband access will support:

• Remote education and workforce training

• Telehealth and behavioral health services

• Small business development and entrepreneurship

• Government operations and emergency response communications

• Cultural preservation and digital storytelling

• Digital sovereignty and self-determination

Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring, with service offerings launching in 2026.

Jeff Little, vice-President of the western region of Palmetto Engineering and Consulting, LLC, one of the Nation’s top engineering consulting Company retained by OLT, stated that “construction is scheduled to begin in the spring, with service offerings launching in 2026.”

Dustin Twiss, Vice-Chairman of the OLT Board, said that “OLT remains committed to delivering reliable, affordable telecommunications services and to building infrastructure that strengthens the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the Pine Ridge Reservation.”

Media Contact:
Tawny Zimiga, Program Manager, Oglala Lakota Telecommunications, LLC Office, 605.405.0708 www.oltllc.com

The post $54.5M Broadband expansion planned for Pine Ridge first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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