The NTIA awarded an $18.9 million Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program grant to the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada (ITCN) as part of the administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. The money will fund broadband infrastructure deployment, use, and adoption projects to improve connectivity across Tribal lands.
The money is part of a $500 million total that is going to Tribal applicants this month. “Closing the digital divide in Indian country is a crucial step for protecting local customs and traditions while invigorating the opportunities for global engagement and growth,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. She called the announcements NTIA is making this month “an exciting step on the journey.”
The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install middle mile and last mile fiber and/or wireless directly connecting a total of 972 unserved Native American households and seven Tribal community anchor institutions with qualifying broadband service across 11 Tribal service areas. Proposed service speeds range from a minimum of 25 Mbps/3 Mbps to 500 Mbps/500 Mbps or more depending on service area.
“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a huge equity concern when it came to access to affordable and reliable internet service,” said ITCN Executive Director Deserea Quintana. “Nevada tribal members lacked access to critical emergency updates, public safety announcements, telehealth services, telecommuting solutions, and remote learning opportunities. This funding will significantly improve the quality of life for our tribal members and is long overdue.”
The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and the bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It makes funding available for grants to eligible Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian entities for high-speed internet deployment, digital inclusion, workforce development, telehealth, and distance learning.
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