The National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) issued a new press release on November 12, 2025 announcing reforms to the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP), a federal grant program first
This guidebook is designed to provide a strong foundation for understanding digital sovereignty and Tribal Nations in the United States. It introduces key concepts, outlines the building blocks of digital sovereignty, highlighting examples of sovereignty in action, and offering readers:
A foundation for understanding Tribal Digital Sovereignty.
Read the fact sheet to learn more.
Summary:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released Internet Access Services: Status as of June 20, 2024, estimating 549 million internet connections nationwide with breakdowns by technology type, speed, and state or territory.
On June 6, 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a policy notice amending the Broadband Equity, Access, and Development (BEAD) program requirements.
While the NTIA describes this as a “restructuring,” the amendment significantly departs from the program’s original requirements.
In rural Tribal communities across the United States, public radio is more than a source of news and entertainment; it's a lifeline. These stations deliver critical infrastructure for communication and connection, especially in areas where broadband access and even phone lines remain limited or nonexistent. Tribal radio broadcasts emergency alerts during storms, helps locate missing persons, shares local news, and preserves language, memory, and identity.
Congress is actively working to finalize this year’s federal budget bill, referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the Act). The Act reflects the Trump Administration’s budget and policy priorities for Fiscal Year 2025, including many related to wireless spectrum.