Washington DC, 13 August 2022 (TDI): The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program will receive an extra $1 billion in funds, according to the US Department of Commerce, raising the total amount allocated to $1.98 billion.
The Department of Commerce’s @NTIAgov announced Thursday that the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is being expanded by an additional $1 billion, bringing the total funding available to $1.98 billion. https://t.co/R4xdOdkTcF
— U.S. Commerce Dept. (@CommerceGov) August 12, 2022
The latest Tribal Connectivity Program application phase was available from June to September 2021, and a total of $980 million in funding was expected to be awarded.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) said it obtained a total of 301 requests demanding more than $5.8 billion in financing for Tribal broadband projects, but in December declared the Programme to be significantly overloaded.
Moreover, the NTIA announced that it will increase $1 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) authorization to the financing pool for that phase, making a sum of $1.98 billion available for awards.
Parties who applied to the June–September 2021 application window are automatically qualified for the additional income; no further action is necessary.
Funding Records
The NTIA has previously given out grants via the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program for around $143 million.
The organization gave funding worth close to $51 million to two Alaska Native organizations earlier aiding in the installation of fiber internet to 581 marginalized families in the state.
Concerning what would be done with the remainder of $1 billion in IIJA funds, the NTIA stated that it will reissue a financial opportunities announcement later in FY22 inviting support submissions from individuals who missed the original window.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is now seeking residents of the native territory to see whether they qualify to save up to $75 per month on their broadband expenses. They request to visit GetInternet.gov, sign in, and pick a covered package.
Furthermore, $2.75 billion is allocated to advance digital diversity and inclusion as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
A total of 470 tribes from 28 states have expressed interest in taking part in the Digital Equity Planning Grant program. Also, In the upcoming months, Commerce will collaborate with tribes to file requests and distribute funding.
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