Small Town News

San Carlos subsidiary firm aims to bring broadband infrastructure to area rural communities

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Triplet Mountain Communications, a subsidiary of San Carlos Apache Telecommunications, has submitted an application for $18.6 million in federal broadband stimulus funding.

Triplet's project "is intended to provide reliable, high-speed broadband services to 18 rural communities remotely located in Southeast Arizona. The infrastructure involves fiber optics to be leased and placing broadband transpoft electronics in the communities of Superior, Miami, Globe, Peridot, Thatcher, Wilcox and Benson," according to a recent statement released to the public by Triplet Mountain Communications.

In addition, the completion of a fiber optics loop from Superior to Oracle will provide broadband services for the communities of Kearny, Hayden, Winkelman, Mammoth and San Manuel. The finished fiber loop will also provide redundant broadband access throughout Southeast Arizona. In the event of severe weather or a severed cable, the redundant loop ensures rural Arizona residents will have reliable access to the internet. This method of broadband transport by fiber optics is more dependable than the microwave system currently utilized.

Triplet Mountain Commu nications was created in 2004 to allow San Carlos Apache Telecommunications to expand its services off the San Carlos Apache Reservation. During construction, efforts will focus on building new broadband access points and repairing the existing infrastructure necessary to bring high-speed broadband internet to rural communities. Upon completion, residential and business customers will be free to select an internet service provider of their choice. Should the project be financed by federal stimulus funding, up to 60,000 rural Arizona residents could benefit from enhanced broadband access, according to Triplet. The project will be completed within three years and will create an estimated 240 new jobs during construction.

"The economic sustainability of rural Arizona depends upon having reliable broadband infrastructure in place," Triplet officials said. "In the future, nearly all business transactions will require broadband access. With high-speed broadband, Southeast Arizona will be competitive in regional, national and global markets. Rural Arizona communities will have the ability to retain businesses already in place and attract new business interests. With that comes a renewed ability to retain and attract new jobs, skilled labor and an economy less dependent on the price of copper. Rural schools and colleges could greatly enhance their education programs; municipal police, fire and emergency response programs would have better communications; and services provided by rural hospitals and health care providers could be more cost-effective."



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