- Details
- By Chez Oxendine
- Economic Development
The federal government is making nearly $800 million available to help tribal nations expand broadband infrastructure, improve internet adoption and support digital workforce development.
The new funding opportunities, announced June 17 by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, earmark $540 million through the Tribal Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program for broadband deployment and adoption projects, as well as another new funding program for tribes.
This marks the fourth overall funding opportunity for the TBCP, which was established during President Joe Biden’s administration by the American Rescue Plan Act. The first three funding rounds distributed roughly $2.98 billion despite more than $5 billion in applications and an estimated $11 billion in total need, according to prior Tribal Business News reporting.
The NTIA is also making $250 million available through the newly launched Native Entities Grant Program which streamlines access to Native set-aside funding for digital inclusion, workforce training and related initiatives.
“The NOFOs announced today build on NTIA’s work to achieve universal broadband availability, including on tribal lands,” said Arielle Roth, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and NTIA administrator. “By reducing unnecessary red tape, increasing flexibility, and maximizing the impact of federal dollars, these NOFOs help tribal and Native nations focus on connecting their communities, not navigating bureaucracy.”
The TBCP targets infrastructure and adoption support. Eligible applicants include tribal governments, tribal colleges and universities, tribal organizations, Alaska Native Corporations and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Infrastructure awards are expected to range from $1 million to $25 million. Use and adoption awards are expected to range from $500,000 to $2.5 million. Federally recognized tribes that have not previously received TBCP funding may qualify for an equitable distribution award of up to $500,000.
The Native Entities Grant Program, funded under the Digital Equity Act, provides approximately $250 million for broadband use and adoption activities. Eligible applicants include Indian tribes, Alaska Native entities, Native Hawaiian organizations and consortia. Awards are expected to range from $500,000 to $2.5 million. A 10 percent nonfederal match is required unless NTIA grants a waiver for financial hardship. Funds may support digital inclusion efforts, workforce development, public access computing, equipment and broadband‑related services.
NTIA will host a webinar on the funding opportunities on Wednesday, June 24 at 3 p.m. ET.
The application window for both programs runs from June 17 to September 17, with awards anticipated to begin in spring 2027.
