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Press release from the Yurok Tribe:

Today, the Yurok Telecommunications Corporation (YTEL) celebrates the official launch of four tribal broadband connectivity projects that dramatically increase internet access and improve communications infrastructure in one of the most digitally disadvantaged parts of California.

Together, the complementary projects will bring affordable high-speed broadband to more than 2,000 locations, including homes, businesses and anchor institutions, such as schools, healthcare facilities and public safety agencies. Covering approximately 150 square miles, the four broadband connectivity projects span from Orick northward to Crescent City, Orick to Weitchpec and Weitchpec to Wautec, where internet and cellular services are virtually nonexistent. This monumental undertaking will produce more than 200 local jobs over the next few years.

“These projects are an expression of tribal self-determination and a desire to build the future that our community deserves,” says Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe. “We sincerely thank all of our partners for investing in the Yurok Tribal Council’s vision to provide local families, businesses and future generations the tools they need to prosper.”

Currently, internet access on the reservation is either unavailable or severely limited. These four projects will make high-speed broadband available on the entire reservation and in nearby communities. Many residents within the project area will receive first-time access to internet services.

“Rural communities deserve the same access to opportunity as anywhere else. We are proud to play a part in leveling the playing field when to comes to education, healthcare, and economic growth in Yurok Country,” says YTEL’s CEO Jon Walton.

The first project, funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, includes the installation of 62 miles of fiber optic cable from Crescent City to Orick as well as spurs extending from the main line to Requa and Klamath Glen. YTEL is also building a brand-new customer service center in Orick to support the community’s telecommunications needs.

To augment the fiber optic backbone, Yurok Telecom is constructing nine towers equipped with commercial-grade wireless infrastructure. The towers will be placed at the following locations: Requa, Klamath Glen, Wautec, Notchko, Orick, two sites in Weitchpec, Miner’s Creek and Tulley Creek.

The second project is the collaborative Karuk Fiber IRU, formerly the Klamath River Rural Broadband Initiative (KRRBI), a Karuk Tribe-led endeavor. The Karuk Fiber IRU consists of the installation of fiber optic cable from Orleans to Orick. The Yurok Tribe and Karuk Tribe will jointly own and manage the broadband infrastructure. The fiber will connect to the Yurok project in Orick.

The third project delivers high-speed internet connections or last-mile fiber directly to households, tribal offices, and medical facilities across the reservation and surrounding area. This transformative undertaking will increase access to telehealth, online learning and much more. For example, on the upper half of the reservation, there are minimal cellular or landline phone services. High-speed internet will enable residents to place calls over Wi-Fi, ensuring access to emergency services.

In July 2024, the California Department of Technology (CDT) signed a fiber lease agreement with Yurok Telecommunications Corporation (YTEL). Under this agreement, YTEL will lease 47 miles of dark middle-mile fiber infrastructure or unused fiber, extending from Orick to Crescent City, enabling the state’s Middle Mile Broadband Network (MMBN) to serve the Yurok community and beyond.

YTEL will retain full ownership of the fiber leased to CDT, creating a new revenue stream for YTEL. YTEL also gains access to lower-cost materials through CDT’s procurement channels, reducing project expenses and increasing sustainability. The collaboration with CDT is a model of government-to-government partnership, showing how Tribal nations can lead in infrastructure development while benefiting from state-level support.

This past year, the YTEL installation team, led by Operations Manager Hunter Myers and Certified Telecommunication Specialist Justin Osburne, acquired all the skills and qualifications required to teach Yurok citizens how to perform tower maintenance and fiber technology deployment.

The CPUC and NTIA-funded projects both have substantial training components, enabling YTEL to aid Yurok citizens in obtaining the certifications necessary to install and sustain fiber systems.

In addition to creating jobs, the project will strengthen the tribal and local economies over the long term. Upon completion of the four projects, YTEL will offer cost-effective broadband and interconnection services to residents, businesses, public institutions and other organizations. The corporation will also lease space on the towers for commercial and government telecommunications equipment.

“This broadband connectivity initiative is not only transformational for us — it benefits every local entrepreneur, student and prospective employee in our region,” concluded Chairman James.