Our History
The modern world functions by the public having access to high speed internet and the availability of unlimited information. Today, not having access to internet leaves an unmet need to complete work, school, and various everyday tasks.
Nez Perce Network Systems began in 2009 based on the need for internet in rural and remote areas on the Nez Perce Reservation. Many were still utilizing dial up internet, if they had internet at all. Anything else was highly expensive with significantly slow speeds. The Nez Perce Tribe is one of two tribes providing this type of service.
The program has been funded solely by awarded grants. This allowed for startup costs, creating towers, and laying nine miles of dark fiber. Over the last few years the program has expanded from just serving the Tribe’s offices to serving homes, businesses, schools, libraries, and other government entities. Plans are in place to continue this expansion.
With trained and certified technicians serving seven counties; today the program works towards building a larger fiber project. They are in the midst of laying 21 miles of fiber, pending an agreement with the State of Idaho. With an engineer already on contract, installation is ready to commence upon receiving the State’s permission.
Field employees are able to utilize the service to meet their needs for tasks such as research or monitoring. The program also supports emergency communications and services, by providing tower space for mobile radio communications. Tribal Law Enforcement is completely dependent on the service for their vehicles.
Future plans include laying additional fiber across all communities on the reservation. We are looking at additional areas to provide coverage, and creating more mobile availability. Ultimately, the goal is to have a tribally owned fiber ring surrounding the reservation. This will be an opportunity to virtually connect our rural areas with the rest of the world.
