The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today awarded over $224 million through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP).
With these 18 grants, thew TBCP program has already awarded about $1.5 billion so far, with 112 Tribal entities receiving funds.
Today’s awards went to tribal areas in 11 states — Alaska, Arizona, California, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, South Dakota, and Virginia. These awards will fund projects to directly connect 21,468 unserved Native American households that previously didn’t have broadband, as well as businesses and anchor institutions. Additionally, the 18 grants will create 137 new jobs.
The TBCP is a nearly $3 billion grant program that is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ($2 billion) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ($980 million). Further grants will be announced on a rolling basis.
Earlier this month, the NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity awarded $600 million in 23 grants for tribal entities in 15 states.
“This Native American Heritage Month, our Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is continuing its historic investment in Native communities to ensure reliable, affordable high-speed Internet for all,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, in a prepared statement.
A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1 billion in funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be announced soon. NTIA has already held three Tribal Consultations with Tribal leaders to solicit their input on the NOFO.
