Broadband

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) faces a critical juncture. In a letter sent out earlier this week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates that funding for the ACP will only last until April 2024. Without any additional funding, the FCC will have to begin taking steps to end the program. The FCC is requesting $6 billion from Congress to continue the ACP through the end of 2024. Lawmakers in Congress have also introduced a bipartisan and bicameral measure to help extend the ACP that would allocate $7 billion for the program from unused Treasury funding. If the ACP were to end, millions would lose their access to the internet and their ability to participate in modern life. Losing the ACP also undermines the goals of other programs like the $42.45 BEAD Program and the overall effort to close the digital divide.
  • Read more about ACP Update and Call to Action
At this time, the United States government will likely shut down due to Congress not coming together to pass needed legislation through a continuing resolution or the required appropriations bills.  Given this situation, each federal agency has created agency contingency plans.  As Tribal Government relationships with the Federal Government are intertwined, there will be many impacts on Tribal communities.  One area of impact is communications and telecommunications.  The shutdown will affect all agencies and programs in some capacity. This alert addresses programs administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
  • Read more about Policy Alert: Potential Impacts of a Federal Government Shutdown on Tribal Telecommunications

Spectrum is an essential natural resource because it is finite and has economic and public use, purpose, and benefit.

  • Read more about Call to Action: ONAP and WTB Seek Comment on Tribal Nation and Native Hawaiian Access to Spectrum and Related Data

 

  • Read more about NTIA Announces A Second Round of TBCP Funding
Tribal Digital Sovereignty is the overarching term that encompasses both Tribal Network Sovereignty and Tribal Data Sovereignty. It includes both the information and the physical means by which that information is transmitted, governed by a community's policies and codes that regulate the data, infrastructure, and networks.
  • Read more about Tribal Digital Sovereignty Defined

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) created in 2021 through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

  • Read more about The Affordable Connectivity Program: Sustaining Individuals and Tribal Networks
  • Read more about Digital Divide

Despite a lack of access, higher prices for broadband and often non-existent infrastructure, leaders in some Tribal communities have developed a vision and built self-sufficient networks and community technology centers to connect and strengthen their communities. Indian Country is finding a myriad of ways to cross the Digital Divide.

Tribal Nations have long advocated for their sovereign interests in natural resources like land and water. Tribes have also advocated for their sovereign interest in the air space above Tribal lands.

  • Read more about Call to Action: National Spectrum Strategy Tribal Consultations

On March 2, 2023, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) published a request for written comments on upcoming digital equity program grants. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) created several programs to improve broadband connectivity across the country.

  • Read more about CALL TO ACTION: Submit Public Comments on the Digital Equity Act Programs

On November 18, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the pre-production draft of its new broadband availability map. This map gives an initial look into broadband availability nationwide.

  • Read more about FCC Broadband Map Challenges: Improving Tribal Broadband Data
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