Broadband Network Feasibility Study for North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California
North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California
HR&A worked with the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California to assess broadband connectivity solutions for their sovereign tribal nation of over 2,000 members. Through comprehensive feasibility analysis and community engagement, HR&A developed a strategic deployment plan that identified two viable pathways—a tribally owned wireless network and household service subsidies—to address critical connectivity gaps in this underserved Sierra National Forest community.
Limited connectivity options constrained the tribe’s ability to deliver essential services and pursue economic opportunities. HR&A began by conducting a comprehensive asset inventory to catalog infrastructure suitable for broadband deployment, then engaged stakeholders including federal agencies and internet service providers to assess community needs and collaboration potential. This foundation enabled the team to analyze the financial viability of different network models and ownership structures, ultimately developing recommendations that balanced technical feasibility with the tribe’s sovereignty priorities and fiscal constraints.
The study delivered actionable recommendations that positioned North Fork Rancheria to pursue sustainable broadband solutions tailored to their unique circumstances. HR&A’s analysis identified two optimal pathways forward: developing a tribally owned wireless network that would provide long-term control and revenue potential, and implementing a service subsidy program to immediately improve household connectivity. The success of this work led to North Fork Rancheria commissioning HR&A for the next phase—developing a detailed Network Design and Strategic Deployment Plan scheduled to begin in Q2 2025, demonstrating the practical value and implementability of the feasibility study’s findings.
