Date of Award

Winter 1-28-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

This research paper has covered the topic of underserved communities and the lack of access to highspeed and broadband internet in those communities, it focused one of the poorest communities in the United States. The Pine Ridge Reservation houses one of the greatest and most prominent American Indian tribes in US history, the Oglala Sioux of the South Dakota Badlands, and Black Hills areas. With a major turnaround the Oglala have slowly trended into despair, a major upgrade to their access to reliable high-speed internet could turn the community around for good. With the use of relevant sources and literature the research highlighted how this problem has persisted and how with adequate funding and infrastructure in place the internet can be a reality for every household on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The literature supports the fact that things are bad in the community without greater broadband access and with it the people can enjoy access to learning materials, distance learning, and easier access to healthcare tools and resources. The research methods involved the mixed-method approach using surveys, key informant interviews, and subject matter expert interviews. The impact may be so great that it could turn around an entire community and bring them back to self-reliance in every way possible.

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