MuniWireless reports that a tribe in Southern California is using broadband wireless to link 18 tribal communities: HP donated a bunch of gear for the network and the tribe is using solar-powered antennas. In addition to the educational benefits to such a network, tribal members are using the access to keep on top of and apply for federal grants.
We've linked to other stories about tribes around the country using wireless to bring Internet access to reservations. In most of these cases, the incumbent operators weren't interested in serving the communities, which are often remote and sparsely populated. But the growth of Wi-Fi has driven down the cost of some equipment such that it's possible for these communities to build their own networks. Many of these tribes aren't looking to the Internet for entertainment but as a way to improve the educational and employment opportunities for residents.