The NTIA received more than 160 applications in funding requests totaling more than $2.64 billion for the second Notice of Funding Opportunity in the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. The nearly $3 billion grant program is funded by the Infrastructure Law ($2 billion) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ($980 million).
This funding from the Internet for All initiative will help connect Tribal households and businesses to high-speed internet service, plan for future internet infrastructure investments, and upgrade network equipment. The program seeks to improve quality of life, spur economic development, and create opportunities for remote employment, online entrepreneurship, remote learning, and telehealth by expanding broadband access and by providing digital training and inclusion programs to Native American communities.
NTIA has made available approximately $980 million from this second notice of funding. “For Tribal communities to thrive in the modern digital economy, they need access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet service,” said NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “The number of applications for our Tribal connectivity program shows that demand remains high for quality internet service in Indian Country.”
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