Bridging the Digital Divide: NTIA Streamlines Broadband Funding to Maximize Tribal Connectivity

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced on Wednesday a comprehensive plan to significantly overhaul its Tribal broadband programs. The agency's goal is to reduce bureaucratic obstacles, enhance funding flexibility, and more effectively align grant opportunities with the crucial connectivity needs of Tribal nations across the United States.

A Strategic Realignment for Enhanced ImpactThe anticipated reforms are specifically designed to streamline both the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) and the dedicated Native entity set-aside derived from the Digital Equity Act. According to the NTIA, these efforts will be combined through a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at supporting accelerated Tribal broadband expansion. The NTIA currently expects to launch this combined NOFO in the spring of 2026, making available at least $\$500$ million in remaining Tribal broadband funding.

Arielle Roth, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce and NTIA Administrator, articulated the agency’s clear objective: "NTIA’s goal is simple: stretch every dollar as far as possible to achieve universal Tribal connectivity and better serve Tribal communities’ needs." She emphasized that this "strategic realignment of our Tribal grant programs will reduce administrative burdens, prevent duplication, and ensure consistency across NTIA’s broadband initiatives." Ultimately, the restructuring is intended to "maximize the impact of this funding, helping to connect as many Tribal households as possible."

The NTIA confirmed that it will continue to issue equitable distribution grants under existing frameworks, while all future infrastructure and adoption grants will be awarded under the new, streamlined rules. The agency is also committed to ensuring Tribal input by planning to hold a formal Tribal consultation to gather guidance from Tribal governments regarding the structure and priorities of the next round of funding.

The original funding for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program originated from a dual source: $\$1$ billion provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, and an additional $\$2$ billion contributed by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. To date, the NTIA has successfully made 275 awards totaling $\$2.2$ billion through the TBCP. Specifically, the first NOFO awarded more than $\$1.87$ billion for 226 projects serving over 400 Tribes, while the second NOFO allocated $\$360$ million across 48 projects, with further equitable distribution awards still being processed. The agency assured the public that no previously obligated awards will be rescinded as a result of the program overhaul.