NTIA: Tribal Broadband Reforms Expected by Spring
NTIA said Wednesday it's planning reforms to its tribal broadband programs aimed at reducing red tape and streamlining the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and the Digital Equity Act native entity set-asides. The notice of funding opportunity for tribal broadband access is expected in the spring, it added. NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said the realignment of the 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."
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The agency said it will keep awarding equitable distribution grants, but future infrastructure and use and adoption grants will be awarded under the reformed rules. It said it will announce a formal tribal consultation to solicit input from tribal governments.