SURF Program Details

About the Project

Through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, Huna Totem Corporation, in partnership with Snowcloud Services, sought funding to upgrade and subsidize high-speed internet services for the community of Hoonah. This is being accomplished through providing fiber internet access direct to the homes and businesses in Hoonah, where possible. Households that cannot be reached with fiber will have the option to be connected wirelessly with equivalent broadband speed.

Program Scope

This subsidy program is exclusively for Fiber to the Home service. If you currently have another internet service provider, you are welcome to keep that service alongside this program. However, only the Fiber to the Home service qualifies for the subsidy. This subsidy only applies to residents and businesses within the Hoonah city limits at the time of registration.

Fiber to the home was selected as the primary delivery method for this program to provide:

• Guaranteed Speed: You get the speed you pay for, every time
• Consistent Performance: No slowdowns during peak usage times
• Future-Proof Technology: Fiber can support increasing speed demands for decades
• Superior Reliability: Less susceptible to weather and interference

Eligibility Criteria

For this program, eligible households are defined as any household that includes at least one member of a Native American Tribe, or any household that actively supports, houses, or provides care for tribal members within the community of Hoonah.

Detailed Eligibility Examples

You May Qualify If:

• Direct Tribal Membership: Any household member is enrolled in a federally recognized tribe
• Family Connections: You are married to, related to, or partnered with a tribal member
• Caregiving Support: You provide care, housing, or support to tribal elders, children, or family members
• Educational Support: You tutor, mentor, or provide educational services to tribal students
• Employment Support: You employ tribal members or provide job training/placement services
• Healthcare Services: You provide medical, mental health, or wellness services to tribal community members
• Community Services: You operate businesses, nonprofits, or services that primarily serve the tribal community
• Cultural Preservation: You support tribal cultural activities, language preservation, or traditional practices
• Foster Care: You provide foster care or guardianship to tribal children
• Economic Support: Your household contributes to the economic stability of tribal individuals or families
• Transportation Services: You provide transportation services that benefit tribal community members
• Childcare Services: You provide childcare or after-school programs for tribal families
• Housing Support: You provide temporary or permanent housing to tribal individuals or families
• Food Services: You operate food programs, community kitchens, or meal services for tribal members
• Elder Care: You provide in-home care, companionship, or assistance to tribal elders
• Youth Programs: You run sports teams, clubs, or activities that serve tribal youth
• Substance Abuse Support: You provide counseling, recovery, or support services to tribal community members
• Legal Services: You provide legal aid or advocacy services to tribal individuals
• Financial Services: You provide financial counseling, tax preparation, or banking services to tribal members
• Spiritual Support: You provide chaplain services, spiritual counseling, or religious support to tribal community members

The Broad Principle: This program recognizes that strong communities are built through interconnected relationships. If your household in any way supports, benefits, or contributes to the well-being of tribal members in the Hoonah community - whether through direct services, employment, family relationships, or community involvement - you likely qualify for this program.

When in Doubt: Please register for the program. Our team will work with you individually to determine eligibility based on your specific situation and connection to the tribal community. The goal is to ensure that everyone who contributes to the strength and well-being of Hoonah's tribal community has access to the high-speed internet services that will benefit the entire community.

Service Levels

While specific service tiers will be announced in fall 2025, the Fiber to the Home program is expected to offer:

• Direct fiber optic connections to each home and business
• Multiple speed tiers with guaranteed performance
• Optional add-on services
• Symmetrical upload and download speeds (unlike cable or DSL)

Infrastructure Improvements

As part of this initiative, Snowcloud Services installed aerial fiber optic cables throughout Hoonah, providing the ability to deliver dedicated fiber connections directly to each home and business. This fiber-to-the-home infrastructure represents a significant upgrade from traditional internet technologies and will provide the foundation for guaranteed high-speed internet service for decades to come.

Other Partnerships

Aside from the primary partnership of Huna Totem Corporation and Snowcloud Services, other entities have contributed and partnered with us in this effort, directly and indirectly:

• Huna Totem Shareholder Services
• City of Hoonah
• Hoonah Indian Association
• IPEC
• Tlingit & Haida

How Fiber to the Home Works

Below are diagrams showing how fiber optic cables are connected to homes and businesses:

Program Milestones/Updates as of 8/1/2025

• Program Funds Awarded
• Initial Construction - COMPLETED
  • Aerial Fiber Hung
• Running Fiber Drops to Existing Customers – IN PROGRESS
• Registration of Eligible Households/Businesses – IN PROGRESS
• Subsidy Begins – Date TBD
• Subsidy Ends – Date TBD

Subsidy Period

Eligible participants will receive subsidized Fiber to the Home service for up to 3 years. The exact subsidy amount will vary based on the guaranteed speed-tier selected and eligibility criteria. Reminder: Only the Fiber to the Home service qualifies for the subsidy.