Everyone deserves access to reliable high-speed broadband internet. BearCom aims to establish reliable connectivity throughout North America by providing community members with access to communication, information, and resources whenever needed.

In our mission to provide internet access for everyone, we collaborate with Native American tribes to offer our expertise, insight, and experience to tribal leaders. Last year, BearCom worked with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribe in southern Alabama to bring reliable connectivity to the reservation and bridge their homes, community and health centers, schools, and more.

Closing the Digital Divide

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians operates with a full populace, including community services, education, public safety, utilities, and healthcare, among other sectors. Their members rely on communication to power their Tribe’s needs—and BearCom assisted in streamlining their access to high-speed internet.

“Before BearCom installed a dedicated Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi here was horrible,” said Jacob McGhee, a recreation facilities manager for the Tribe.

BearCom began the months-long project to bring reliable broadband internet across the reservation last summer. This widescale project was managed by Escambia Community Utilities in assistance with the Tribe and BearCom.

“This is a big endeavor for us to be able to have this service and partner with BearCom,” said Stephanie Bryan, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians CEO/Tribal Chair. “High-speed internet for local businesses, their whole life will change [sic]. It means they can do transactions and maybe sell more.”

The $5.5 million project spanned four months to provide approximately 38 square miles of coverage, with over 11,000 feet of network cables installed. BearCom’s comprehensive coverage uses mobile broadband, commonly known as LTE, to create a private network with unparalleled speed, range, and security.

Setting Up the Community for Success

BearCom’s private LTE network will benefit approximately 500 Tribal Citizens. We believe locally-owned networks provide success and transparency, and by owning the network infrastructure, the Tribe eliminates subscription-based fees for their members—as well as reducing their long-term costs.

“What we can do together in a partnership to bring that internet service and bring that to rural communities, that’s the greatest reward there is,” said Mike Owen, Chief Technology Officer at BearCom. “Digital sovereignty is so critical. You guys own this network. It is yours. It’s your pathway forward. It is what you can utilize to just help expand your community.”

BearCom’s technology keeps community members connected with ease. A router-like device plugs into any modern outlet to connect to the Tribe’s private network. Once connected, every Tribe member can access a wireless broadband connection on their computer, cell phone, or any other devices.

“Our people in the community, Tribal and non-Tribal, are very excited. They are going to have an option that will give them a better quality of service for connectivity,” said Stephanie Bryan.

Connecting Communities, One Device at a Time

You don’t have to go it alone. BearCom wants to close the digital divide throughout North America, and we’re here to help you through every stage of the process. We speak your language, and we work to better tomorrow with open internet for everyone.

Reach out to us today for a free consultation.