The lack of access to broadband internet can significantly hinder economic growth, education, and healthcare, making it difficult for communities to compete in the modern world. Bringing reliable, high-speed connectivity to remote and underserved areas in the US is a complex challenge that requires a unique set of solutions.
Can private LTE and fixed-wireless access networks help close the digital divide and empower rural and tribal communities through technology? And even if it can, are local communities prepared to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities associated with deploying and scaling the networks? Let’s find out.
Our guest for this podcast episode is Derrick Frost, SVP of Operations & General Manager of Private Wireless Networks at Kajeet. Kajeet is a leading wireless managed service provider with more than 3,000 customers in the education, healthcare, telecom & cable, and transportation sector. Since launching the private wireless business in 2022, under Derrick’s leadership, Kajeet has deployed more than 40 private wireless networks to help close the digital divide for educational institutions and tribal communities.
In our discussion today, we will uncover a few things, such as:
- The challenges native tribes face when obtaining high-speed broadband
- The role different spectrum bands play on tribal lands
- Funding that’s available to help indigenous communities get internet access
- Challenges seen by vendors trying to deploy private networks
So, let us welcome Derrick Frost.