The Tribal Broadband Learning Community engages in monthly convenings to discuss topics related to broadband strategies for tribal communities. We invite you to join us for the kick-off of this series where we will start by talking about some broadband fundamentals. Please register in advance. This event is open to all.   

Speaker

Matthew Rantanen, Director of Technology, Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association

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Matthew R. Rantanen is the director of technology for the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association (SCTCA) and the director of the Tribal Digital Village Network (TDVNet) initiative that started back in 2001 which designs and deploys wireless networking to support the tribal communities in Southern California. Matthew is also a director of partnering and business development at Arcadian Infracom, a fiber infrastructure company that builds long-haul fiber assets to serve the needs of the companies driving the demand, dragging that fiber path through small towns in the United States and Indian Country, and providing opportunities to the unserved and underserved in rural America.

Matthew, of Cree (First Nations, Canada), Finnish and Norwegian descent, has been described as a "cyber warrior for community networking" and is considered an expert on community/tribal wireless networking. He is an advocate for net-neutrality, broadband for everyone and opening more spectrum for public consumption. He is always looking out for the unconnected. Matthew helps the 20 member tribes of SCTCA with technology development and strategy, to bring their Nations to the current level of communications. Matthew was appointed as co-chair of the Technology and Telecom Subcommittee of the National Congress of American Indians. In this role, he works with tribes to draft telecom policy and promote better opportunities within the federal government.

Eligibility

All are welcome to attend.