- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced Wednesday that it plans to overhaul its Tribal broadband programs to reduce bureaucratic barriers, increase flexibility, and better align funding opportunities to meet the connectivity needs of Tribal nations.
The reforms will streamline both the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) and the Native entity set-aside from the Digital Equity Act, according to NTIA. The agency said it plans to combine the efforts through a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support Tribal broadband expansion.
NTIA expects to launch the new NOFO in spring 2026, making available at least $500 million in remaining Tribal broadband funding.
"NTIA’s goal is simple: stretch every dollar as far as possible to achieve universal Tribal connectivity and better serve Tribal communities’ needs," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. "This strategic realignment of our Tribal grant programs will reduce administrative burdens, prevent duplication, and ensure consistency across NTIA’s broadband initiatives. Most importantly, it will maximize the impact of this funding, helping to connect as many Tribal households as possible."
The agency said it will continue issuing equitable distribution grants, while future infrastructure and adoption grants will be awarded under the new rules. NTIA also plans to hold a formal Tribal consultation to gather input from Tribal governments on the next round of funding.
Funding for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program comes from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which provided $1 billion, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which added $2 billion.
To date, NTIA has made 275 awards totaling $2.2 billion through the TBCP. Under its first NOFO, more than $1.87 billion was awarded for 226 projects serving more than 400 Tribes. The second NOFO provided $360 million across 48 projects, with additional equitable distribution awards still in progress.
NTIA said no previously obligated awards will be rescinded.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Oral History Project Announces 14th Stop in Portland, Oregon: NABS Continues to Gather Crucial Stories Across Indian Country
Deb Haaland Tours Center for Veterans Struggling with Homelessness
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
