- The Internet connectivity solution brings faster speeds and more reliable broadband to the Otoe-Missouria tribal community
- Benefits to businesses, schools, health services and the overall quality of life on the reservation
MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GTT Communications, Inc., a global leader in managed network and security services for multinational organizations, and Caliber Financial Services, a tribal chartered company wholly owned in the Owned by the Otoe -Missouria Tribe of Indians, have teamed up to bring high-speed Internet to the Otoe-Missouria Reservation. This high-speed connectivity solution will improve the quality of Internet service for families and businesses in and around the Otoe-Missouria Reservation in rural north Oklahoma.
“The pandemic has heightened the urgent need to close the digital divide facing many Native American tribes,” said John Shotton, Otoe-Missouria tribal chairman. “We are grateful for the partnership between Caliber and GTT as it helps improve the quality of life for the people of Otoe-Missouria and fuel continued economic development for years to come. Broadband services are an extremely important lifeline for our schools, businesses, healthcare services and every other aspect of community life that depends on modern telecommunications infrastructure.”
“We are very pleased that our partnership with GTT allows us to provide enhanced connectivity to Caliber Financial Services while serving the Otoe-Missouria community as a whole,” said Doug Oliveira, chief technology officer at Caliber Financial Services. “Not only did we select GTT because of its extensive internet backbone and outstanding track record as a provider of high-speed connectivity solutions, but the team at GTT have demonstrated exceptional passion and dedication to support this type of broadband development project. We are proud that as a tribal corporation wholly owned by the Otoe Missouria Tribe, Caliber has self-funded an infrastructure project with such far-reaching benefits for the Otoe Missouria community.”
“GTT is honored to work with Caliber to bring faster, more reliable internet services to the Otoe-Missouria community while providing more resilient connectivity to key data center and cloud resources,” said Jim Delis, GTT Division President, Americas. “We know how important modern broadband infrastructure is to participate in the digital economy and keep our communities connected and thriving. We look forward to building on our partnership with Caliber and we are passionate about pursuing other opportunities to help improve broadband coverage in the Indian country.”
A study published by the American Indian Policy Institute in 2019 estimated that 18% of tribal reservation residents have no internet access, while 33% rely on smartphones for internet services. This is largely due to the fact that most reservations have been set up in remote locations with very limited infrastructure.
GTT’s connectivity solution includes a 10G Ethernet point-to-point link connecting Caliber’s data center in Red Rock, Oklahoma to its data center in Kansas City, Missouri. The solution also includes a dedicated 10G internet line connecting Red Rock’s data center to GTT’s industry-leading Tier 1 global IP network, which also offers direct connections to the major cloud service providers.
Additionally, GTT has established a dedicated 10G internet circuit at the Red Rock data center to connect a newly installed tower providing Wi-Fi access to users on the Otoe Missouria Reservation. The new Wi-Fi tower improves broadband infrastructure for the Otoe-Missouria community, enabling businesses to connect with their customers and suppliers faster, and enabling students to connect to the internet and cloud more reliably and securely.
About GTT
GTT is a provider of managed network and security services for global organizations. We design and deliver solutions that leverage advanced cloud, network and security technologies. We complement our solutions with a range of professional services and exceptional sales and support teams in local markets around the world. We serve thousands of national and multinational enterprises with a portfolio spanning SD-WAN, security, internet, voice and other connectivity options. Our services are uniquely enabled by our world-class, Tier 1 global IP backbone, spanning more than 260 cities on six continents. The corporate culture is based on a customer-centric service experience, reinforced by our commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement of our business, environmental, social and governance practices. For more information visit www.gtt.net.
About the Otoe-Missouria Indian tribe
The Otoe-Missouria Tribe has more than 3,300 members across the United States. The tribe was moved from Nebraska to Indian Territory in 1881. Today they are one of the largest employers in Kay and Noble County, Oklahoma, with five casinos, two convenience stores, gas stations, a propane company, an entertainment center, a cattle ranch, and a hotel and water park.
About Caliber Financial Services
Caliber Financial Services Inc. is a tribal charter company wholly owned by the Otoe-Missouria Indian tribe. Caliber provides professional management services to the financial services sector, including The Tribe’s consumer credit portfolios. Tribal financial services companies generate revenue that supports social programs vital to members of the tribe, such as: B. Elderly care, educational grants, after-school programs, public safety, and improvements to housing and infrastructure. For more information about Caliber Financial Services, visit www.caliberfs.com.
GTT media inquiries
Brad Bass, GTT
+1-240-418-0168
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Jim Cameron, Lewis
+1- 650-279-4691
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GTT Investor Relations
Charlie Lucas, GTT
Vice President Finance
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Media Inquiries from the Otoe Missouria Tribe
Heather Payne, Otoe-Missouria tribe
[email protected]
Caliber Financial Services Media Inquiries
Joseph Lilly, Caliber Financial Services
[email protected]
