Press Release

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it has awarded two grants as part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.

The Federal Communications Commission announced it is committing nearly $68 million in two new funding rounds through the Emergency Connectivity Program, which provides digital services for students in communities across the US. These funding commitments support applications from all three

Sens Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced the Grant to Rapidly Invest and Deploy (GRID) Broadband Act, a pioneering proposal that would provide a robust new federal cost-share to spur investment in a nationwide middle mile backbone along the nation’s existing electricity grid.

Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information Alan Davidson announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has added $1 billion from President Biden’s Infrastructure investment and Jobs Act to the current Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program funding period, which closes September 1, 2022. NTIA already received more than 300 applications during the application window for over $5 billion in funding requests.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) announced an agreement to coordinate responsibilities in ensuring compliance with environmental, historic preservation, and cultural resources requirements related to the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. This collaboration allows high-speed internet service to be deployed quickly while also ensuring safeguards to protect Native lands and interests.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it has awarded two grants as part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, "We are building a $100 million outreach grant program at the Federal Communications Commission to make sure that those who are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program hear about it. This is a good thing. It’s also something we were told to do in the [Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act]. Congress specifically directed us to conduct outreach for the Affordable Connectivity Program to help ensure eligible households are enrolled.

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, "This pilot program, which we are calling “Your Home, Your Internet” would not be happening today without the leadership of Commissioner Starks. He saw clearly that this was an underserved population that was called out in the law and that needed special focus. So let me call out Commissioner Starks right here and now. I am grateful for his efforts, both for what he did to help get this program going and for what he will do going forward to ensure it is a success.

The Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.7 million grant to the Sullivan County Division of Public Works in Monticello (NY) to increase local internet connectivity. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan. This project will enhance community high-speed internet throughout Sullivan County, promoting job creation and economic diversification in the region.

The Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $511,855 grant to Washington County Fair, Inc., in Greenwich (NY) to increase local internet connectivity. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan. This project will support the installation of high-speed internet service with live broadcasting capabilities at the Washington County Fairgrounds.