Resource Guide

Indigenous Connectivity

On average, Tribal communities have some of the lowest rates of broadband availability. Native Nations face specific challenges when it comes to broadband deployment and planning, including but not limited to the physical challenges of deployment in remote communities, lack of access to spectrum, and lack of competition.

There are also many success stories of Tribal communities implementing creative and tenacious projects to connect their communities, and ultimately leveraging broadband as a means of sovereignty and self-determination. The following resources provide an overview of the state of Indigenous connectivity and the challenges and opportunities for progress.

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Guidebook

Tribal broadband funding dashboard

Arizona State University American Indian Policy Institute

This interactive flowchart lists the broadband funding available to Tribal communities, including federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Villages, Hawaiian Homelands, non-federally recognized Tribes, and Tribal broadband providers.

Report

Tribal technology assessment

Arizona State University American Indian Policy Institute

This resource reports on the state of broadband access, device use, and uses of the internet by Tribal communities on Tribal lands.

Analysis

Broadband internet access: A solution to Tribal economic development challenges

Indigenous Peoples’ Journal of Law, Culture & Resistance

This piece discusses the gap in Tribal broadband access, considers the legislative history of broadband, and explores both obstacles and solutions to Indigenous connectivity.

Report

Building Indigenous future zones: Four Tribal broadband case studies

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

This report includes case studies from four Native Nations that created their own internet service providers. It includes a discussion of challenges to building internet infrastructure that are unique to Tribal communities, and includes best practices for Native Nations, lending institutions, and the federal government when it comes to Tribal connectivity.

Report

2021 Indigenous Connectivity Summit policy recommendations

Internet Society (ISOC)

Each year, the Internet Society produces a report summarizing the policy recommendations that surfaced at its annual Indigenous Connectivity Summit. This set of recommendations includes best practices for supporting inclusivity, community consultation, and engagement with Indigenous communities.