NTIA Awards $6.5 Million in Equitable Distribution Funding to Advance Tribal Broadband Access

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the Department of Commerce announced it is recommending nine applications for award, totaling approximately $6.5 million, under the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. These Equitable Distribution awards are designed to accelerate broadband connectivity for Tribal communities nationwide, consistent with the program’s authorizing legislation. In addition, NTIA in a letter to Tribal leaders announced that it will hold Tribal Consultations on Tuesday, January 13, and Tuesday, January 20, 2026. These consultations will provide an opportunity for Tribal representatives to engage directly with NTIA as it prepares to restructure its Tribal broadband programs, ensuring that future funding opportunities reflect Tribal priorities and perspectives. In November, NTIA unveiled it is working on reforms to improve the efficiency and flexibility of its Tribal broadband programs. These reforms will streamline the TBCP and the native entity set-aside under the Digital Equity Act through a new Notice of Funding Opportunity that further supports Tribal access to broadband resources.