Building Opportunity, One Connection at a Time

How Cisco and the Pala Band of Mission Indians are empowering Tribal communities with reliable internet access.

3 Minute Read · 5 Minute Listen

Imagine growing up in a community where reliable internet access isn’t a given — where students struggle to connect to virtual classrooms, job opportunities are limited by digital barriers, and elders can’t easily access telehealth services.

For many Tribal communities across the United States, this is reality. In today’s digital-first world, less than half of U.S. Tribal communities have access to broadband.

At Cisco, we believe technology can and should change this. Thanks to the passion and dedication of our Native American Network (NAN), we’ve joined forces with the Pala Band of Mission Indians to help close the digital divide — one home, one family, and one opportunity at a time.

A group of people wearing conference lanyards, smiling.

The NAN Broadband Pillar team and NAN members represent Cisco at the 2025 National Tribal Telecommunications Association Summit.

Bringing connectivity and driving equity

With NAN members leading the way, Cisco launched a pilot project to deliver gigabit broadband connectivity to 100 homes in the Pala community. Using Tarana fixed wireless technology, Cisco NCS 540 for backhaul, and Meraki Wi-Fi for in-home access, the first phase has already set a new standard.

This project will soon expand to reach 800 homes and businesses, bringing life-changing connectivity to many more families.

By partnering with the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Cisco and NAN are helping level the playing field, opening the door to education, healthcare, jobs, and a brighter future for generations to come.

A partnership built on trust

Our journey with the Pala Tribe started with a simple but powerful approach: Listen first, act with respect, and center community needs.

Through Cisco’s sponsorship of the National Tribal Telecommunications Association Summit and longstanding relationships built by NAN, Cisco earned the trust to begin this transformative work. Our Native American Network played a pivotal role, ensuring that every step reflected Tribal values and respected traditions.

As Sales Business Development Manager and NAN Broadband team member Alistair McGrath put it: “When we show up with humility and listen, we become true partners, not just providers.”

A blueprint for lasting change

This initiative is powered by Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program and builds on our work supporting California’s $7 billion commitment to connect all 110 Tribal lands with broadband.

Three people look at a computer screen with technical equipment in the background.

Cisco and Tarana work with Pala IT to commission the fixed wireless access gigabit radio to launch the Pala network.

The Pala Tribe’s approach — becoming its own internet service provider — shows what’s possible when local leadership and global expertise combine. With $42.5 billion in federal broadband funding available, we have a unique chance to scale this impact to many more communities.

And the opportunity for Cisco is significant. Our Sales teams estimate the potential of Tribal broadband at $400 million.

Cisco’s Networking Academy has also been working to ensure that the Tribal members have the skills to operate and grow the network.

And we’re just getting started

There are 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations in the United States, each with unique needs and strengths. The journey with the Pala Tribe is just one chapter in a much bigger story.

Through the power of employee networks like NAN, we’re making meaningful progress. Together, we’re building a future where everyone can thrive.

Want to learn more about how you can support these efforts? Explore our Inclusive Communities resources or reach out to the Native American Network.