The NTIA authorized nearly $1 billion in funding to expand internet access and adoption on Tribal lands. This additional funding is made possible by the bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
This second round of funding from the Internet for All initiative’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) will make up to approximately $980 million available for Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities for the deployment of internet infrastructure, affordability programs, telehealth and distance learning initiatives.
“The digital divide has disproportionately impacted people in Tribal communities for years,” said NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “But thanks to our Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, that’s finally starting to change. This latest round of funding will provide Indian Country with affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service.”
TBCP has awarded $1.78 billion to 191 Tribal entities since the program began in 2021. By expanding high-speed internet access and providing digital training and inclusion programs, the TBCP will improve quality of life, spur economic development, and create opportunities for remote employment, online entrepreneurship, remote learning, and telehealth for Native American communities, according to NTIA.
NTIA expects to make awards in this round of funding within the following ranges:
- High-speed internet infrastructure deployment projects proposed by a single applicant: $1 million to $50 million
- High-speed internet adoption and use projects: $100,000 to $2.5 million
More information about the program, including application requirements, can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Applications are due within 180 days of publication of the Notice via: Grants.gov.
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