Assured Communications is expanding its collaboration with tribal communities by centering trust, listening, and transparent collaboration in every project. Joel Ogren, the company’s CEO, explains that establishing a lasting partnership starts with understanding history from multiple perspectives and earning the right to be considered a trusted partner.
Ogren’s career includes extensive work with the Pacific Islander community in Hawaii, a background that he says has shaped his approach to Washington state partnerships. The company’s current alliance with Toptana Technologies—owned by the Quinault Indian Nation—described as the first indigenous-owned cable landing station and backhaul network provider on the West Coast, highlights a model of indigenous-led critical infrastructure and collaborative opportunity.
When Toptana announced in 2022 that Assured would serve as the venture’s primary operations service provider and facilitator of sales and industry partnerships, it marked a watershed moment for indigenous-led connectivity. That relationship has only strengthened over time as the partners advance shared goals across the region.
In June, the two organizations unveiled the next phase of their regional network build, a west-east fiber route extending toward Ocean Shores. The project sits along a connectivity corridor linking Seattle, Washington, and Hillsboro, Oregon, with Assured described as leading all aspects—from feasibility and design to engineering, construction, and go-to-market strategies.
“We’re going to do it with integrity and an open approach to the work we do,” Ogren said, underscoring the emphasis on trust, credibility, and delivering results. He added that Assured’s success is inseparable from its team of skilled professionals who share the company’s commitment to addressing the digital divide and supporting tribal economies.
