WASHINGTON - The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that it received more than 160 applications in funding requests totaling more than $2.64 billion for the second Notice of Funding Opportunity in the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.

This funding from the Internet for All initiative--a key component of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda—will help directly connect Tribal households and businesses to high-speed Internet service, plan for future Internet infrastructure investments, and upgrade network equipment. NTIA has made available approximately $980 million from this second notice of funding.

“For Tribal communities to thrive in the modern digital economy, they need access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service,” said  Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “The number of applications for our Tribal connectivity program shows that demand remains high for quality Internet service in Indian Country.”

These awards are part of the Biden Administration’s commitment to nation-to-nation engagement and an effort to connect everyone in America, including Native Americans and Alaska Natives, to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is a nearly $3 billion grant program funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ($2 billion) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ($980 million). The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $65 billion in funding to connect everyone in America.

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About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration   

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.