WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced nearly $1 billion in National Telecommunications and Information Administration grants to expand broadband access on Tribal lands. The Senators secured these funds in December’s coronavirus response bill.
“Today’s grant funding expands broadband access on Tribal lands, boosting jobs and educational opportunities, by making critical investments to close the digital divide,” said Sinema.
“This is a much-needed investment in tribal broadband, ensuring that more small businesses, schools, and families on tribal lands can access reliable broadband and key economic and educational opportunities as our economy continues to recover from this pandemic,” said Kelly.
Through this investment, the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program will deploy broadband infrastructure, establish affordable broadband programs, and support digital inclusion across Indian Country to lessen the digital divide. Before launching the program, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration conducted Nation-to-Nation tribal consultation with Native American Tribes to learn issues surrounding the digital divide and the impacts of COVID-19 to tribal communities.
In December’s coronavirus response bill, Sinema also secured legislative language that dedicates $300 million for rural broadband expansion through public and private partnerships. Additionally, Sinema secured $7 billion to support distance learning through the E-Rate program in the American Rescue Plan Act.
