Funding

NTIA is committed to increasing broadband Internet access across America, particularly in unserved and underserved communities. The recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 provides new sources of tribal broadband funding to assist in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which is exacerbating the digital divide across Indian Country. With the designated funding, NTIA is in the process of developing the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) that will make grants available to eligible entities as quickly as possible.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is holding Tribal Consultations for input on implementation of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP). The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Pub. L. No. 116-260 (Act), provides new sources of tribal broadband funding that can assist in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the digital divide across Indian Country. The Department of Commerce and NTIA are dedicated to expanding broadband deployment in unserved areas and promoting digital inclusion.

Registration for this webinar is full. If you are not able to participate, the webinar is being recorded. It will be posted on the NTIA YouTube channel (BroadbandUSA Webinars playlist), by Monday, March 22, 2021. We hope you are able to watch the recording at your convenience. We will have additional webinars on the grant programs, so please sign-up to receive email updates and check the BroadbandUSA website.  

NTIA’s BroadbandUSA program has added a new digital inclusion section to its website. This webpage compiles resources and program information from federal agencies as well as state and local governments that are working across the country to close gaps in broadband adoption and use, affordability, access to devices, and digital skills. NTIA is particularly pleased to announce this resource during Digital Inclusion Week.

BroadbandUSA’s September webinar, Smart Agriculture: Driving Innovation in Rural America, focused on efforts by federal agencies, universities, and other organizations to develop and deploy smart agriculture technologies and the ways these new technologies can aid agricultural planning and production.

Rural communities face a complex set of challenges when it comes to closing the digital divide, according to three broadband providers who participated in BroadbandUSA’s April webinar. To serve the needs of rural customers, providers must develop innovative business models, partnership strategies, and technological solutions to serve their customers. In the webinar, the three providers discussed how their differing business models have all built strong local relationships and allowed them to meet community needs. 

NTIA has updated its BroadbandUSA website database of 57 federal broadband programs, spanning 14 federal agencies with billions of dollars for broadband grants, loans, and other resources.