The Story of Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. ( GRTI )

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1 The Story of Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. ( GRTI ) 2014 Rural Policy Forum Globe, AZ August 8, 2014 Mr. Derek E. White General Manager Gila River Telecommunications, Inc.

2 The Beginning Before GRTI Telephone service provided by Mountain Bell/US West Telephone service was expensive, poor quality, and typically shared (party lines) Less than 10% of the Community Members residence had phone service To establish new phone service Community member were quoted to pay as much as $30,000 Reaching emergency services support was difficult and time consuming

3 The Beginning Establishing GRTI GRTI was first established in years ago Controversial decision due to type of service, experience, and cost GRTI partnered with the National Telecommunications Companies (NATELCO) to begin the build out of telephone plant and offices. (51% / 49%)

4 The Results Telephone service increased to 40%, then 60% and is now at 80% and can go to 100% of all residences & businesses located in the GRIC. Jobs! telephone service brought jobs/careers to the GRIC. 65 employees today of which 65% are GRIC Community Members, 5% are Native American non-gric. GRTI first began as a not for profit, co-operative service organization.

technology changes Build and replace plant to homes, schools, government and businesses.

5 GRTI The Developing Years A Telephone exchange for each district. (7) Dialing changes. Introduction of calling plans USDA-RD loan resource to support growth, redundancy, and technology changes Build and replace plant to homes, schools, government and businesses. Lifeline and E-Rate services used by financially challenged residents of the Community

GRTI The Growing Years Gila River Asset Management

traditional holding company vehicle fleet, office

) GRTI establishes Native Technology Solutions, a

6 GRTI The Growing Years Gila River Asset Management A GRTI Holding Company GRTI establishes GRAM as a traditional holding company vehicle fleet, office building, deregulated equipment (VM, DSL, etc.) GRTI establishes Native Technology Solutions, a subsidiary company, from now deregulated GRTI Enhanced Services. GRTI established Alluvion Communications, a traditional CLEC to provide service off the Community.

7 Native Technology Solutions

8 Native Technology Solutions Wholly owned subsidiary of Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. (owned by the Gila River Indian Community) Registered with AZ Corporation Commission Knowledge and expertise in the latest technology Partner with leading manufacturers and service providers Utilize and train local resources, offering employment

9 Demarcation Blue=Telco Red=NTS Green=NTS

10 Enterprise Services Telephone Systems ShoreTel Nortel Network Extreme Cisco Video Surveillance Vicon Bosh I3 International Access Control Keri Systems

11 Printer Service and Supplies Onsite computer/printer repair Same or next business day High quality consumables Toner Maintenance kits MICR toner Staples Thermal print heads Ink 100% guarantee If an NTS toner cartridge fails, it will be replaced AND if the toner has damaged the printer in any way, the printer will be repaired or replaced

12 Training programs Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) Build a pool of part time / oncall employees Vechij Himdag MashchamakuD (VHM) student work program Provide hands on exposure to structured cabling environment Ability to ramp up for larger projects Allow access to online education programs Offer great training resource Offer education credit for hours worked

13 Gila Local Exchange Carrier dba Alluvion Communications

14 Alluvion Communications Wholly owned subsidiary of Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. (owned by the Gila River Indian Community) Is a traditional Competitive Local Exchange Carrier ( CLEC ) and competes for voice/data business within Metro Phoenix Is regulated by the State of Arizona, Corporations Commission, Utility Division, as a foreign corporation. Offers telecommunication and broadband services to the general public located throughout the state of Arizona, and eventually in other states.

15 Alluvion Communications Offers Hosted PBX voice and fax services using the public internet for network access. Offers Metro-Ethernet service as an inexpensive, high-speed data service. Offers foreign exchange service so a business can have a 602/623/480 telephone number in the 520 area code. Offers data and voice services to business and other telecom carriers including wireless/cellular service providers and resale/wholesale providers Offers equipment collocation and network interconnection via the GRTI collocation room. Offers traditional nonregulated and/or deregulated voice/data services to the general public.

Alluvion Communications Has an anchor tenant

in Maricopa, Sun Lakes, Robson Ranch, Saddlebrook

tenant relationship with Verizon Wireless.

16 Alluvion Communications Has an anchor tenant relationship with Orbitel/Schurz Communications in Maricopa, Sun Lakes, Robson Ranch, Saddlebrook and Saddlebrook Ranch (Tucson) Has an anchor tenant relationship with Verizon Wireless. Has an anchor tenant relationship with Pinal County Schools. Has an anchor tenant relationship with the Gila River Indian Community (long distance and FX services).

17 Gila River General Cellular Partnership GRTI is the official licensee for the Rural Serving Area 5, (RSA5) In partnership with Verizon Wireless Maintains numerous cell towers (and growing) in Pinal and Gila County

GRTI Consulting GRTI Consulting is available to

Eligible Telecommunications Carriers ( ETC )

with establishing a Tribal telecom company;

18 GRTI Consulting GRTI Consulting is available to assist Tribes with Tribal Engagement, obtaining Eligible Telecommunications Carriers ( ETC ) status from the FCC and understanding the basics of telecommunications. Available to Tribes that wish to enter the telecommunications industry. GRTI Consulting is available to assist Tribes with establishing a Tribal telecom company; technical recommendations, financial recommendations, corporate structure and potential partnerships. GRTI Consulting

19 GRTI Consulting GRTI Consulting is available to assist Tribes with establishing Broadcast (AM/FM and TV) services. GRTI Consulting is culturally sensitive to the Tribes culture and local customs. GRTI Consulting is available to assist Tribes with wireless applications and business ventures. GRTI Consulting is available to assist Tribes with establishing a combination of telecom wireline/wireless and broadcast services.

20 Gila River Broadcast GRTI received construction permits7 Low Power TV frequencies (LPTV) LPTV utilizes unused frequencies within a given band to allow concentrated, noninterfering channels to cover a smaller geographic area GRTI has identified 3 initial central office sites, for signal transmission Construction, (on air) deadline is Dec. 14, 2014

21 Gila River Broadcast (GRB) GRB will work with Community to develop scheduled content Educational Cultural Health and Wellness Public Safety Public Announcements GRB may also establish a production studio Making commercials Professional production content News and Entertainment

Thank you! Questions? Contact Information -Gila River Telecommunications www.gilarivertel.

22 Thank you! Questions? Contact Information -Gila River Telecommunications -Native Technology Solutions -Alluvion Communications

Thank You to the Members of the Program Committee

Welcome to NANOG 59 Dave Temkin NANOG PC Chair Betty Burke NANOG Executive Director Ian McClarty - Phoenix NAP Derek E. White - Gila River Telecommunications Thank You to the Members of the Program Committee