Revolutionizing Tribal Communities with High-Speed Internet Connectivity

Revolutionizing Tribal Communities with High-Speed Internet ConnectivityHigh-speed internet connectivity has become an essential utility in the modern world, connecting people, businesses, and institutions, enabling access to information, education, and economic opportunities. However, for many tribal communities in the United States, access to high-speed broadband is still a significant issue. The lack of broadband connectivity in tribal lands leaves many communities at a disadvantage, hindering their ability to access vital resources and services. 

In this blog, we will explore the impact of high-speed internet connectivity on tribal communities and how it can revolutionize the way they live and work. We will discuss the current digital landscape in tribal communities and the initiatives aimed at promoting tribal connectivity. We will also explore the benefits of high-speed internet connectivity for tribal communities, including improved public safety, community development, and economic opportunities. Additionally, we will compare wireless and fiber technologies and how private LTE networks can be a game-changer for small communities. Finally, we will discuss Aviat’s solutions and how they can help tribal communities achieve universal access to high-speed internet. 

According to the most recent American Indian Policy Institute analysis of FCC data in 2019, just 67% of tribal lands in the continental U.S. have access to broadband internet, with the majority only having access to broadband speeds considered by the FCC to be less than ‘minimally acceptable.’ This digital divide leaves many tribal communities at a disadvantage, hindering their ability to access vital resources and services.

Revolutionizing Tribal Communities with High-Speed Internet Connectivity

To address this issue, the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program was created, providing funding and resources for the deployment of broadband infrastructure in tribal communities. By increasing access to high-speed internet, the program empowers tribal communities with the tools they need to participate in the digital economy, access essential services, and foster economic growth. The program offers grants for broadband deployment, technical assistance, and training to support tribal communities in expanding their broadband infrastructure. 

The National Tribal Broadband Strategy is a comprehensive plan designed to chart a course for digital inclusion in tribal communities. This strategy addresses key challenges and barriers faced by tribal communities in accessing high-speed internet and provides a roadmap for promoting connectivity and fostering digital inclusion. With a focus on collaboration, capacity building, and sustainable investment, the strategy aims to ensure that every tribal community can benefit from high-speed internet connectivity. 

 

 

The strategy focuses on four key areas: Revolutionizing Tribal Communities with High-Speed Internet Connectivity

  1. Enhancing Tribal Access to Spectrum: Tribal communities need access to additional spectrum to provide high-speed internet to their residents. The strategy focuses on identifying unused spectrum and advocating for tribal access to that spectrum. 
  2. Expanding Tribal Infrastructure: The strategy aims to expand broadband infrastructure in tribal communities, enabling them to connect to the internet through fiber optic and wireless technologies. 
  3. Promoting Digital Adoption: The strategy aims to increase digital literacy and promote the adoption of high-speed internet in tribal communities. This includes training programs, workshops, and other resources to help tribal members learn how to use technology. 
  4. Developing Tribal Applications and Content: The strategy aims to promote the development of applications and content that are relevant to tribal communities, including healthcare, education, and cultural resources. 

 

Redefining Public Safety and Community Development with High-Speed Internet

High-speed internet connectivity can lead to significant improvements in public safety, with faster response times and more efficient emergency communications. Moreover, it enables community development, with better access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. In this way, high-capacity internet has the potential to revolutionize tribal communities, creating a brighter future for all. 

High-speed internet connectivity can improve public safety in tribal communities. With faster response times and more efficient emergency communications, emergency responders can better serve the community in times of need. For example, with high-speed internet, emergency responders can use video conferencing to assess an emergency and provide remote assistance. This can be particularly useful in areas where access to emergency services is limited or where it takes time for emergency responders to reach the scene. Additionally, high-speed internet connectivity can improve communication between law enforcement agencies, enabling them to share information more effectively and coordinate their efforts in responding to emergencies. 

Revolutionizing Tribal Communities with High-Speed Internet ConnectivityHigh-speed internet connectivity also enables community development, with better access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. With access to telemedicine services, residents in remote areas can receive medical care without having to travel long distances. This can be particularly useful for tribal communities that are located far away from healthcare facilities. Additionally, high-speed internet connectivity can improve access to education services, enabling students to access online courses and educational resources from anywhere. This can be particularly useful for students in rural areas who may not have access to traditional educational institutions. 

Moreover, high-speed internet connectivity can provide economic opportunities for tribal communities. With access to the internet, small businesses can operate more efficiently and compete in the digital economy. Additionally, high-speed internet connectivity can enable tribal communities to participate in e-commerce, selling their products and services to a wider audience. This can be particularly useful for tribal communities that rely on tourism or that have limited access to traditional markets. 

 

Wireless vs. Fiber: The Great Broadband Debate 

When it comes to providing high-speed internet to tribal communities, both wireless and fiber technologies have their strengths and weaknesses. Fiber offers high-capacity, reliable connections but can be expensive and require long deployment times. On the other hand, wireless technology can provide similar capacity as fiber at a more affordable cost and can be deployed within just a few days. Moreover, wireless technology can be used in tandem with fiber to reach more difficult locations that would otherwise be uneconomical for fiber deployment.  

Private LTE Networks: A Game-Changer for Tribal Communities 

Private LTE networks are a viable option for tribal communities that want to deploy high-speed internet infrastructure where big carriers do not provide service. These networks allow small communities to operate their own cellular networks and provide high-speed internet connectivity to their residents, schools, healthcare centers, and businesses. Private LTE networks are particularly beneficial in rural areas where coverage is limited or unreliable, offering more control and flexibility over network operations.  

For example, a private LTE network can be deployed in a small tribal community to provide high-speed internet connectivity to its residents. This network can manage both residential and higher priority traffic, ensuring that emergency services have access to reliable and efficient communication channels. Additionally, it can enable telemedicine and e-learning, improving access to healthcare and education services for residents. Private LTE networks also provide economic benefits, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and compete in the digital economy. 

Aviat: The Ultimate Partner for Tribal Connectivity  

Aviat offers high-quality equipment and solutions designed to meet the unique connectivity needs of tribal communities. With a focus on lowering total cost of ownership, Aviat provides the right equipment to connect communities, from high capacity backhauls to Private LTE Networks and fixed wireless solutions.  

Aviat’s Private LTE Networks are a significant change for tribal communities, offering a compact yet high-powered, all-outdoor solution that can be quickly deployed with the same coverage as Macro Cells. Moreover, Aviat’s EPC core is completely scalable, with no minimum number of subscriber licenses, representing significant savings for tribal communities. Aviat offers a full range of services from design to deployment and fully hosted network management, ensuring that the network always operates at peak performance. 

Tribal Connectivity: The Key to Unlocking a Brighter Future

Revolutionizing Tribal Communities with High-Speed Internet ConnectivityHigh-speed internet connectivity is more than just a luxury; it is a vital resource that can transform the lives of those living in tribal communities. By investing in high-capacity internet infrastructure and collaborating with trusted partners like Aviat, tribal communities can bridge the digital divide and unlock a brighter future for generations to come. 

Tribal connectivity initiatives like the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and the National Tribal Broadband Strategy are paving the way for universal access to high-speed internet in tribal lands. Private LTE networks offer a viable option for small communities to deploy high-speed internet infrastructure where big carriers do not provide service. With the right equipment and solutions from trusted partners like Aviat, tribal communities can unlock their full potential and thrive in the modern world. 

Conclusion  

In conclusion, high-speed internet connectivity is essential for the growth and development of tribal communities in the digital age. Tribal communities face unique challenges in accessing high-speed internet, but initiatives like the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and the National Tribal Broadband Strategy are paving the way for universal access to high-speed internet in tribal lands. Private LTE networks offer a viable option for small communities to deploy high-speed internet infrastructure where big carriers do not provide service. Aviat’s solutions can help tribal communities achieve universal access to high-speed internet and unlock their full potential. 

By bridging the digital divide and fostering connectivity, tribal communities can thrive in the modern world, building a better future for generations to come. High-speed internet connectivity can improve public safety, enable community development, and provide economic opportunities. With the right infrastructure and solutions, tribal communities can access essential services and resources, participate in the digital economy, and unlock their full potential. 

 

 Are you interested in high-speed internet connectivity?

Ready to hear how Aviat’s internet services can help your tribal community? Let’s talk!

 

Licensed 6 GHz Links are under threat from all sides

The introduction of Wi-Fi 6E and the push to utilize the 6 GHz spectrum for mobile 5G are presenting increasing interference risk to existing operators using fixed links in the 6 GHz FCC bands.

Introduction

With the introduction of Wi-Fi 6E and the push to utilize the 6 GHz spectrum for mobile 5G, fixed links operating in the Lower and Upper 6 GHz FCC bands are under increasing threat from interference both from legitimate and rogue operators. The mobile industry is clearly targeting this spectrum for 5G services, seeing it as ‘under-utilized’ and observing that most mobile operators would prefer to reuse this spectrum more efficiently for mobile access and relocate their backhaul links to other frequencies. But where does this leave other operators dependent on 6 GHz for their critical wireless transport links?

In this article we look at one recent instance of interference from an unauthorized use of a point-to-multipoint (PTMP) radio system that was operating in the licensed L6 GHz spectrum that severely impacted the operation of a newly deployed 6 GHz point-to-point (PTP) microwave link, how this was discovered and what steps were taken to resolve it.

This rogue interference was entirely unexpected and was the first time Aviat had encountered such a situation over many decades of deploying radios across the US. The investigation and resolution took many months of intensive work, delaying the commissioning of the links and increasing the project costs significantly.

The Problem

During the deployment of a number of new 6 GHz microwave links for a customer, a US County located in large metro area, Aviat encountered some very peculiar problems. The receiver threshold tests were failing badly, by between 2 and 25 dB, and measurements would vary over time, hour by hour, day by day. Measurements showed a huge threshold degradation, which resulted in a reduced fade margins down to 10 dB, instead of 35 dB as predicted by the link design.

Aviat considered all potential sources of the problem – licensed radio interference, building reflections, misaligned antennas, damaged waveguide, faulty equipment, etc. The radio equipment at each end of the link was even replaced with new radios operating on different frequencies, but the problem got even worse, and persisted for many months.

Some Brief Background on the 6 GHz band

In 2020, the FCC opened 1200 MHz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band (5.925–7.125 GHz) for unlicensed uses, including Wi-Fi 6E and other point-to-multipoint (PTMP) applications. Unlicensed devices will share this spectrum with incumbent licensed services under rules crafted to protect those licensed services and enable both unlicensed and licensed operations to coexist throughout the band. The FCC authorized indoor low-power operations over the full 1200 MHz and standard-power devices in 850 MHz in the 6 GHz band. An Automated Frequency Coordination system (AFC) will prevent standard power access points from operating where they could cause interference to incumbent services.

Licensed 6 GHz Links are under threat from all sides

Although Wi-Fi 6E is not yet authorized for outdoor use, but experimental testing is now underway and bodies like the Wi-Fi Alliance are preparing for what they see as a huge opportunity, while vendors such as Cisco have announced their first outdoor Wi-Fi 6E ready access point.

Meanwhile, the FCCs AFC system is still in development, will give Wi-Fi 6E access points real time instructions on where and how they can operate within the 6 Ghz band (ie: frequency range and power levels), via a direct data link between the access point and the AFC system. AFC is intended to protect incumbent microwave by preventing overlapping frequency usage by Wi-Fi 6E operators, with microwave link operators being given priority.

There is also a small 75 MHz piece of spectrum called the ITS band, which is reserved for radio-based intelligent transportation systems, such as vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. The FCC is also preparing to open 45 MHz of this band to extend the unlicensed band, granting Special Temporary Authority (STA) to use this spectrum, typically for up to 60 days but can be extended for longer periods.

Tracking down the Interference

While Aviat was looking for the cause of the link problems, it was noticed that there was a PTMP access point installed on the same rooftop. Since these systems should not be using the L6 GHz spectrum it was not initially considered a potential source of interference. Checks with the operator of the PTMP system revealed that they in fact were operating in the ITS spectrum using an STA, but also illegally operating in the L6 GHz spectrum which was not allowed by the STA. As it turned out there were numerous other access points deployed in the city by this operator.

Using a spectrum analyzer Aviat was able to confirm that the PTMP AP were operating in L6 band with a frequency hopping 20 MHz channel and a wide beam-width antenna. The PTMP equipment was from a well-known vendor but was operating ‘beta’ software that caused it to operate well outside of the authorized spectrum range. This interference was incredibly hard to pinpoint due to the changing frequency of operation and power.

Measurement of the interference found

Resolution

Aviat had established that the PTMP operator was unaware that they were illegally using the L6 GHz spectrum, and along with our customer contacted the local FCC office, who sent their own investigators to take measurements that confirmed Aviat’s findings. They then returned 4 weeks later to find that the PTMP system was still operating unchanged. In the meantime, Aviat found a second PTMP system that was operating in L6 GHz spectrum. The FCC is in the process of issuing formal warning letters to each operator to cease operation in the L6 band.

Outdoor Wi-Fi 6E is coming

This case study demonstrates how a rogue PTMP system can have devastating impact on the operation of your 6 GHz links. Microwave radios do not have any countermeasures to mitigate this interference – features like ACM and ATPC do not help.

Aviat now looks for potential 6 GHz PTMP interference as part of the site/link survey, before the link is deployed, however this won’t always protect against PTMP interference at a later date. Additionally outdoor Wi-Fi 6E is coming, which could multiply these issues in practice, as the fear is that there could be many more instances of rogue deployments threatening the operation of your 6 GHz links.

Prevention is better than cure

Aviat has been aware of this threat, and as a result has developed our Frequency Assurance System, or FAS. FAS is specifically developed to monitor, assess and report on PTMP/Wi-Fi 6E interference. It is simple to implement on your existing links without updating hardware or software. FAS can be deployed as a premises or hosted solution, the latter in Aviat’s own Hosted Private Cloud service.

Wi-Fi 6E and PTMP interference is bursty and dynamic, so it is very hard to capture and quantify, but Aviat FAS will detect the interference and predict the likely impact on link operation, whether that be degraded operation or a complete outage. FAS uses onboard analytics to pick problems up, and then present the necessary data in a concise report format, as the FCC often may not have seen such cases before.

In addition to FAS, Aviat can also provide an Interference Diagnostic Service (IDS) to help you categorize, document and understand interference, and to determine how it can be resolved.

If you would like to learn more about 6 GHz interference or request a FAS demo, please contact your Aviat representative.