AIPI Policy Brief: Tribal Broadband Funding Opportunity Update

Key federal legislation over the last two years created many funding opportunities for Tribes to expand broadband access in their communities. This list of funding programs has an estimated $15.2 billion 1 available to Tribes for broadband projects, however much of the same funding is meant for other significant needs like COVID-19 mitigation. Some programs also consider Tribes as one eligible entity among many with no guarantee that Tribes will be awarded. Therefore it is difficult to say how much of the funding available for broadband will ultimately be used for that purpose.

Tribes are working to use these new resources to find new and innovative solutions to close the digital divide. The American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) has identified funding and resources as a key factor for broadband development. AIPI’s Tribal Broadband Priorities 2022 states that additional funding is needed for Tribes to expand broadband access. Also, that funding be provided in a way that gives Tribes as much discretion and flexibility to allow for Tribes to properly address their unique situation and needs. The programs listed in this document all have the potential to fund broadband internet projects, and do so with different degrees of discretion and flexibility for Tribes.