The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on August 30 announced $105 million of grant funding to five Tribal communities in Arizona to expand the availability of broadband services.
The latest award of broadband funding to tribal communities brings NTIA’s total of those awards to $634 million – spanning 25 Tribal entities – for the month of August.
“The grants will fund high-speed internet infrastructure deployment projects through the Internet for All Initiative’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program for Hopi Telecommunications, Inc., Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona, San Carlos Apache Tribal Council/Triplet Mountain Communications, Inc., and White Mountain Apache Tribe,” NTIA said.
In total, the funding will help connect over 33,000 homes across the Tribal areas that will help with connecting families for work, learning and telehealth needs.
“Our administration’s vision is to connect all Native communities with the Internet and with the opportunity that comes along with access to affordable Internet – the opportunity to live healthier, happier, and more prosperous lives. And we will continue to fight every day to make that vision a reality,” stated Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Reliable internet is necessary today for everything from running a business to doing homework. These grants will bring high-speed internet access to tens of thousands of tribal homes, businesses, schools, and libraries,” added Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.
“That’s going to help create jobs and bring new opportunities to Arizona’s tribal communities, and even more help is on the way, thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” the senator said.
