Tribal Broadband: Status of Deployment and Federal Funding Programs

A new report called Tribal Broadband: Status of Deployment and Federal Funding Programs was released this week. (The data appears to be from Dec 31, 2014.)

Here are some quick notes on deployment:

  • 10% of all Americans lack access to broadband (25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload)
  • 41% of Americans living on tribal lands lack access to broadband
  • 33% of Americans living on tribal lands in Minnesota lack access to broadband

And quick notes on funding opportunities:

  • FCC – High Cost/Connect America Fund Program
  • FCC – Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Program
  • FCC – Lifeline Program
  • FCC – Rural Health Care Program/Healthcare Connect Fund
  • RUS – Community Connect Grant Program
  • RUS – Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program
  • RUS – Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program
  • RUS – Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantee Program
  • Substantially Underserved Trust Areas (SUTA)

The report goes into detail and outlines some recommendations for further action.

This entry was posted in Funding, MN, Research by Ann Treacy. Bookmark the permalink.

About Ann Treacy

Librarian who follows rural broadband in MN and good uses of new technology (blandinonbroadband.org), hosts a radio show on MN music (mostlyminnesota.com), supports people experiencing homelessness in Minnesota (elimstrongtowershelters.org) and helps with social justice issues through Women’s March MN.

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