About Numu Communications
Tribal-owned broadband services rooted in community values
Our Story
Numu Communications was co-founded in 2020 by Steve Millan, Corrine Wilson, and Robert Tarr. Both Steve and Corrine are enrolled members of the Fort McDermitt Paiute Shoshone Tribe (FMPST). "Numu" means "the people" in Northern Paiute, reflecting our language and our commitment to the communities we serve.
We were born from a simple reality: tribal nations were being left behind in the digital revolution. Despite living in one of the world's richest democracies, many tribal communities lacked basic broadband access. Major carriers saw tribal territories as unprofitable. Federal programs existed but were complex to navigate. Traditional consulting firms didn't understand tribal governance and values.
Numu exists to change that. We combine deep telecommunications expertise with genuine tribal commitment. We've secured federal funding across multiple programs including NTIA TBCP, Treasury Capital Projects Fund, ARPA, DOE Grid Resilience, and USDA ReConnect. We've deployed networks serving hundreds of homes, acquired FCC 2.5 GHz spectrum licenses, and built carrier capabilities from the ground up. Most importantly, we do this as tribal citizens with genuine relationships with the communities we serve.
Our Mission
To connect tribal nations to broadband infrastructure and services that create economic opportunity, educational access, and digital equity while preserving tribal sovereignty and values.
Our Values
Tribal Sovereignty
We believe tribal nations should control their own broadband infrastructure and digital futures. We support tribal self-determination.
Authentic Partnership
We don't impose solutions. We listen to communities, understand their unique challenges, and develop customized approaches.
Industry Excellence
We combine tribal values with world-class telecommunications expertise. Quality and reliability are non-negotiable.
Long-Term Commitment
We're not extracting value. We're building sustainable businesses that create generational wealth for tribal communities.
Leadership Team
Steve Millan
CEO & Co-Founder
FMPST tribal member with 30+ years of telecommunications experience spanning AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Cox, Frontier, and Lumen. Graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Information Technology. Associate member of the National Tribal Telecommunications Association (NTTA) and member of the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Corrine Wilson, CPA
CFO & Co-Founder
FMPST tribal member and nationally recognized tribal finance expert with 35+ years in auditing, consulting, and financial management for tribal governments and enterprises. Past NAFOA board member and former member of the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC).
Robert Tarr
CTO & Co-Founder
Over 30 years of telecommunications R&D experience at AT&T Bell Labs, Lucent Technologies, and Avaya Labs. 3GPP IMS standardization contributor. Helped the Fort McDermitt Paiute Shoshone, Fallon Paiute Shoshone, and Omaha tribes win 2.5 GHz licenses in FCC Auction 108.
Our Partners
Skylark Wireless
Technology partner providing Massive MIMO solutions (Faros platform) for superior rural coverage and spectral efficiency.
Hardson Construction
Infrastructure construction partner specializing in rural and remote project deployment.
Grey Snow Communications
Network operations and customer support partner with tribal community experience.
Federal Agencies
We work directly with NTIA, USDA, Treasury, DOE, BIA, FCC, and tribal grant programs to maximize funding opportunities for our partners.
Community Impact
Since 2020, Numu has:
✓ Connected 100+ homes to broadband
✓ Secured $498K+ in federal funding
✓ Served 3+ tribal nations
✓ Delivered 100 Mbps speeds to remote communities
✓ Trained 50+ community members in telecom careers
✓ Enabled tribal business development
✓ Supported distance learning programs
✓ Strengthened tribal digital equity