The Business Approach:
Tribal Community Broadband
Tribal Broadband Ownership
-
Self Sufficiency
The Numu Communications business model starts with Tribal ownership. We can assist Tribes in forming a corporation to hold network assets with the Tribe as majority owner. Numu then operates the network, and both parties share in the service revenue. This model ensures Tribes can deliver low cost high speed broadband services to their community. In addition, the Tribe is insulated from the often predatory practices of traditional broadband Service Providers. With internet access so critical to participating in the world today and government funding available to pay for Tribal broadband infrastructure, now is the optimal time Native Communities to establish their own Service Provider businesses.
-
Numu Ownership and Experience
Numu Communications is a majority Native American owned business. Our unique blend of Tribal government experience and Service Provider knowledge ensure our ability to deploy a high quality service. Numu Communications and our network partners are responsible for the network design, construction, and operation. The network deployment and management are always performed in partnership with the local Tribal Community and Numu will abide by all Tribal regulations including hiring Tribal members for installation and customer support roles. This model allows Tribes to implement rapidly, while also retaining the majority of the business profits.
-
Purpose Built Technology
Numu Communications has partnered with Evolve Cellular and Skylark Wireless to provide broadband internet and cellular voice services, as well as network infrastructure that has been engineered for rural network deployments. Both partners currently operate mobile broadband and cellular services in Texas and Oklahoma. The network utilizes next generation Software Defined Radios, providing up to 5x the coverage of tradition mobile networks. Network speeds are up to 100Mbps download/20Mbps upload for mobile, up to Gigabit (1Gbps) for fiber networks. Less network infrastructure also means less installation and faster service delivery.
-
A New Tribal Revenue Source
In many cases, Tribes are located in close proximity to rural towns or cities. Since Numu’s broadband and cellular services are delivered over Mobile networks, the Tribe can also sell these services to adjacent communities. The revenue generated is consistent and predictable, and in many cases our broadband speeds of 100Mbps download/20Mbps upload far exceed current service speeds in many rural communities. The revenue from broadband could help fund other Tribal economic development initiatives or additional Tribal infrastructure projects.