Federal policy failures and incumbent provider neglect are largely to blame responsible for Internet access inequities on Tribal land. Increasingly, Native Nations are beginning to address the digital divide on their own lands and on their own terms.
Thanks to the dedicated people who spent years building networks and advocating on behalf of Indigenous connectivity, the last several years have opened new policy opportunities for Tribal broadband. ILSR is home to several of these dedicated individuals as we’ve supported the launch and expansion of Tribal Broadband Bootcamps to help close the connectivity gap on Tribal lands. The program has contributed to the doubling of Tribal networks since 2020, with more planned bootcamps on the way.
Go Inside the Bootcamp Experience
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) has released its updated census of Tribal Internet networks, providing a comprehensive look at the burgeoning state of Internet connectivity across Indian Country. The census covers Tribal broadband activity across 202 federally recognized Tribal Nations, spanning nearly every region of the country.
The first-of-its-kind network-by-network census is accompanied by a searchable map, a compendium of entries on each active network, and a detailed historical timeline tracing the arc of Tribal broadband policy and advocacy from the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to the present day.
Explore the Census
ILSR's Chris Mitchell shares insights on the mission and vision of the Tribal Broadband Bootcamps he partnered in forming with Matthew Rantanen.
Colorado River Indian Tribe's award is a reminder that the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is not the be-all and end-all of funding for Tribal broadband.
Evan Malmgreno covers Tribes using federal grants to create their own Internet providers, and how it takes more than money to get a community online.
Necessary funding to bridge a "high-cost area" Internet coverage gap may be inaccessible if states fail to make a match exemption feasible.