Case Studies

Red Mountain Networks - Fort McDermitt Paiute Shoshone Tribe (FMPST)

Type: ISP Consulting | Status: Live

The Challenge

The Fort McDermitt Paiute Shoshone Tribe's traditional reservation lands span challenging high desert terrain in northern Nevada. Limited broadband access created barriers to education, economic development, and digital participation. Pre-existing infrastructure was minimal, and the rural market was unattractive to large carriers.

The Approach

Numu provided full-lifecycle consulting, beginning with community assessment and federal funding strategy. We identified a multi-grant approach combining three complementary funding sources:

• Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP): $498,075 federal grant
• Capital Projects Fund: Co-investment funding for community infrastructure
• Nevada Indian Commission SLRF: State and local revenue funds for additional support

We selected Skylark Wireless Massive MIMO as the technology platform for superior rural coverage and spectral efficiency.

Technology & Results

Network: Fixed wireless network using Skylark Wireless Faros Massive MIMO base stations deployed strategically across reservation lands.

Coverage: 100 residential units and 7 tribal community buildings connected

Performance: 100 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload speeds, exceeding FCC broadband standards

Community Impact: Students now have access to remote learning. Small businesses can operate online. Tribal services reach more members effectively.

Key Learnings

Red Mountain Networks demonstrates that remote tribal broadband is achievable through strategic grant coordination, proven technology partnerships, and deep community commitment. The project is now expanding to additional tribal territories.

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