Pawhuska, Oklahoma and Milpitas, California — July 10, 2024 — Osage Broadband, an established Oklahoma internet service provider (ISP) and Tarana, creator of next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) technology, announced the launch of an upgraded broadband network that will deliver 400+ Mbps internet service to Pawhuska, Oklahoma and underserved locations throughout Osage County.
The city of Pawhuska had been notoriously underserved. Brent Greene, AtLink’s Marketing Director, shared, “For years Pawhuska was lucky to pull 25/3 Mbps download/upload…with Tarana’s new ngFWA technology, we’re bringing over 400 Mbps.” These upgraded broadband speeds will enable members of Osage Nation and other Pawhuska residents to participate in e-learning, telehealth, and other critical online activities made possible by reliable internet access.
Not only is this ngFWA deployment a game changer for the day-to-day lives of residents and businesses in Osage County, but it has also proved useful for emergency broadband deployments. After a tornado ripped through Barnsdall, Oklahoma in May, Osage Broadband and its tower infrastructure partner, American Tower, moved quickly to expedite a Tarana deployment to the tornado-blown town. This fast action has enabled residents, businesses, and first responders to get back online and connected to county, state, and federal emergency resources.
“In the wake of a natural disaster, restoring service swiftly is not just about reconnecting infrastructure; it’s about reviving hope, rebuilding resilience, and reuniting communities. We were grateful to be a trusted partner during a critical time of community need, said Susan Ross, Vice President of Vertical and New Product Sales at American Tower.
To celebrate the launch of the new ngFWA network, Osage Broadband hosted a ribbon-cutting event on June 5th in Pawhuska, which is also the Osage Nation tribe’s headquarters. Osage Nation’s Assistant Principal Chief, RJ Walker, said, “This really is a historic day for the Osage Nation, and not only the Osage Nation, but all of Osage County. With Tarana technology we’re going to be able to provide uninterrupted internet to all of Osage County, which has not happened before. Believe me, I know!”
Geoffrey Standing Bear, Principal Chief of Osage Nation, added, “It shows progress in our partnerships, and our dreams being realized. It really creates a closer sense of community.”
Atlink’s Chief Revenue Officer, Tom Fraley III, noted, “ngFWA has overcome long-fought industry challenges — primarily radio interference and obstructions like trees or buildings. The combination of fiber-class performance and wireless network economics has enabled us to efficiently and cost-effectively deploy fast, reliable broadband to Oklahoma’s underserved areas.”
Basil Alwan, Tarana’s CEO, added, “We are honored to be a part of this story and very proud of Osage Broadband and AtLink’s progress throughout Osage Nation and other underserved communities. Our mission is to accelerate the deployment of reliable, high-speed broadband, and we couldn’t do that without dedicated ISP partners.”
About Osage Broadband
Osage Broadband (powered by AtLink), the communications component of Osage Innovative Solutions (OIS), provides fiber-optic and fixed wireless broadband. Osage Broadband specializes in providing reliable and high-speed internet solutions to both tribal members, other residents, businesses and public institutions throughout Osage County. With a commitment to digital inclusion, Osage Broadband aims to connect underserved communities and bridge the digital divide, empowering individuals and fostering community development. To learn more about Osage Broadband, visit www.OsageBroadband.com.
About AtLink Services
AtLink Services is a trailblazing internet service provider founded in 2005. Recently acquired by element8 Internet of Ft Worth, TX, AtLink is one of Oklahoma’s largest wireless internet service providers, serving more than 15,000 Oklahomans throughout the state. To learn more about AtLink, visit www.atlinkservices.com.
About American Tower
American Tower, one of the largest global REITs, is a leading independent owner, operator and developer of multitenant communications real estate with a portfolio of over 224,000 communications sites and a highly interconnected footprint of U.S. data center facilities. For more information about American Tower, please visit www.americantower.com/us.
About Tarana
Tarana’s mission is to accelerate the deployment of fast, affordable internet access around the world. Through a decade of R&D and over $400M of investment, the Tarana team has created a unique next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) technology instantiated in its first commercial platform, Gigabit 1 (G1). It delivers a game-changing advance in broadband economics in both mainstream and underserved markets, using either licensed or unlicensed spectrum. G1 started production in mid-2021 and has since been embraced by more than 200 service providers in 23 countries. Tarana is headquartered in Milpitas, California, with additional research and development in Pune, India. Learn more at www.taranawireless.com.