NTIA Announces Tribal Broadband Program Reforms to Maximize Tribal Connectivity and Reduce Red Tape

WASHINGTON-The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that it is working on reforms across its Tribal broadband programs to reduce red tape for Tribal governments, promote flexibility, and align NTIA's grant opportunities to better serve Tribal connectivity. Specifically, these reforms will streamline the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) and the native entity set-aside from the Digital Equity Act through a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support Tribal broadband access.

NTIA intends to launch the new NOFO in Spring 2026 and will make available any remaining tribal broadband funding (estimated to be at least $500 million).

"NTIA's goal is simple: stretch every dollar as far as possible to achieve universal Tribal connectivity and better serve Tribal communities' needs," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. "This strategic realignment of our Tribal grant programs will reduce administrative burdens, prevent duplication, and ensure consistency across NTIA's broadband initiatives. Most importantly, it will maximize the impact of this funding, helping to connect as many Tribal households as possible."

NTIA will continue to award equitable distribution grants, but all further infrastructure and use and adoption grants will be awarded under the Trump Administration's new rules. NTIA will also soon be announcing a formal Tribal Consultation to allow Tribal governments to provide input on the next funding round.

The funding for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program stems from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ($1 billion) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ($2 billion). In total, NTIA has already made 275 awards totaling $2.2 billion with TBCP funding. Through TBCP's first NOFO, NTIA awarded more than $1.87 billion in funds through 226 projects impacting more than 400 Tribes. NTIA's second TBCP NOFO has awarded $360 million in funds across 48 projects. NTIA is continuing to make Equitable Distribution awards under the second NOFO. NTIA is not rescinding any obligated awards.

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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 on expanding broadband internet access in America, maximizing the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.