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Mille Lacs Reservation

Table of goal data by year
Year Rank 100/20 Mbps
2021 #7 of 11 72.54%
2019 #5 of 11 61.07%
Coverage map graphic

In 2015, Mille Lacs County developed a broadband feasibility study that included a brief statement on connectivity on the reservation…

The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe have constructed fiber connecting their casino, their main headquarters, and some of their other businesses. They buy bandwidth from the local cable company and are satisfied with the bandwidth they can get. They operate businesses outside of that fiber network for which they cannot get good bandwidth.

In April 2021, Mille Lacs Tribal Economy started working with the Blandin Foundation on a 15-week course of study and education about broadband for a community team. (The Mille Lacs Tribal Economy encompasses the three districts of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe territory.) The video below speaks specifically about the spotty nature of broadband in some parts of the community – as well as hope that providers will build in the area with federal funds.

In October 2021, the Tribal Economy received $6,670 from the Initiative Foundation for  a 12-month case study on broadband services and experiences among the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe districts.

Household Density

.33

Has Worked with Blandin Foundation

Yes

Has Received MN Grant(s)

Yes

Savage Communications Inc. (SCI) – Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe (Onamia) Broadband Expansion – GRANT $70,261

This last mile fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) project will serve 102 unserved households within the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation in Mille Lacs County. In a funding partnership with the State of Minnesota and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, SCI Broadband will bring service levels of 1 Gbps down and 20 Mbps upload, exceeding the 2022 and 2026 state speed goals. SCI will leverage its existing middle mile infrastructure to deploy a last mile fiber solution, improving access to education, telemedicine, telecommuting, and economic development for the project area.

Government Districts

U.S. Congress: CD 8

MN Senate: 10

MN House: 10A

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Mille Lacs County

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