Deadline extended for Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

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NTIA: Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program NOFO 2 Webinar

Monday, January 22, 2024

Indianz.Com

Tribes and Native entities have been given more time to submit applications for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, a national initiative to improve high-speed internet access on Native lands.

Eligible tribal and Native entities have until March 22 to apply for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced on Monday. Applications can be submitted online, via email or through the postal system.

“The deadline extensions are intended to provide potential applicants with more time to develop competitive project proposals and project consortia,” the NTIA said in a news release. “Eligible Entities that previously submitted applications may submit revised applications (entire application must be resubmitted) on or before the new submission deadline.”

“We have committed to connecting every person in Indian Country to high-speed internet”: Vice President Kamala Harris calls on tribes to encourage more sign-ups for Affordable Connectivity Program, to bring discounts on broadband bills for households on tribal lands. @VP pic.twitter.com/5XGBdTIgsq
— indianz.com (@indianz) December 6, 2023

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is a $3 billion initiative that was authorized by federal appropriations law and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program ensures that tribal governments, tribal organizations, tribal colleges, Alaska Native corporations and Native Hawaiian entities can secure funding for broadband projects in their communities.

The second round of funding for the program promises up to $980 million for eligible tribal and Native entities. The deadline to apply had been January 23.

During round one of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, the NTIA awarded more than $1.78 billion to tribes and Native entities, according to a webinar presentation from August 2023. Some 284 tribal governments — or nearly half of the 574 federally recognized tribes — have participated so far, according to the materials.