Broadband Access in Indian Country

In this report, we provide an overview of major federal programs that support broadband infrastructure and share findings and best practices from 15 interviews with individuals working to expand access to high-speed internet in Native communities. Interviewees represented tribal broadband providers, tribal governments, state governments, technical assistance providers, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, and other advocates supporting tribal broadband access and sovereignty, defined as the right of tribes to govern their communities without interference. Informed by these interviews and a review of federal funding opportunities, we find the following:

• Federal investments have significantly expanded internet access in many Native communities, but others are still left out.
• Some tribal governments that received these initial broadband infrastructure investments may face challenges maintaining and operating service into the future because of limited administrative, financial, or technical capacity.
• To overcome unfavorable relationships with private internet providers and to sustain adequate internet service in the long run, many tribal governments, tribal broadband providers, and other stakeholders are prioritizing tribal ownership of broadband infrastructure.