On December 16, 2024, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recommended that 44 tribal entities be awarded more than $276 million to expand high-speed Internet access and adoption. These grants are from the second round of funding, which made nearly $1 billion available for deploying Internet infrastructure on Tribal Lands, affordability programs, telehealth, and distance learning initiatives.

  • Read more about NTIA Announces Expanded Investment in Internet on Tribal Lands
Despite many advancements in broadband connectivity over the past three years, Native American communities still lack critical internet infrastructure development to achieve meaningful internet access. Federal programs like the BEAD Program and the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program are focused on addressing the need for internet infrastructure; however, meaningful internet access means more than just need.  The true extent of “meaningful” considers both need and how people are able to benefit and participate in work, school fully, and all the other aspects of online life.
  • Read more about Overview: Tribal Eligibility in the Digital Equity Act Grant Programs

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or BIL) created several new programs to expand broadband access.

  • Read more about Policy Explainer: Digital Equity Act Programs Update
It is imperative that communities review the accuracy of the data, as there will be no other opportunity to correct data in the future. The BEAD program is based on connecting Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSL), such as houses and apartment buildings, and Community Anchor Institutions (CAI), such as schools and libraries. Therefore, it is crucial that data on a BSL in a given area is accurate so that connectivity needs are addressed. Arizona’s BEAD challenge map is an interactive map that shows individual BSLs and CAIs and the information associated with those locations. This map should be reviewed to see if the state’s information on a given location is accurate.
  • Read more about Explainer: BEAD Challenge Process: AZ BEAD Program Update
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.

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

On January 21, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopting the final rule for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program.

  • Read more about FCC Adopts Final Rule for the Affordable Connectivity Program

Program Overview

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) is now the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP replaced the EBB on December 31, 2021. An additional $14.2 billion was appropriated to the ACP to continue offering broadband service discounts and device reimbursements for qualifying households. The main changes to the program are:

  • Read more about The FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program
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