Implementing the National Broadband Plan | Recommendations | Tribal Lands

Help Tribal libraries overcome barriers to E-rate eligibility

Recommendation #132
FCC Chapter: 11.22
Congress should consider amending the Communications Act to help Tribal libraries overcome barriers to E-rate eligibility arising from state laws.

Periodically publish a Health Care Broadband Status Report

Recommendation #110
FCC Chapter: 10.11
The Federal Communications Commission should periodically publish a Health Care Broadband Status Report.

Upgrade Indian Health Service broadband service

Recommendation #109
FCC Chapter: 10.10

Status: Started

Congress should consider providing an incremental sum for the Indian Health Service for the purpose of upgrading its broadband service to meet connectivity requirements.

Ensure effective coordination and consultation with Tribes on broadband related issues

Recommendation #99
FCC Chapter: 9.14

Status: In progress

The Executive Branch, the Federal Communications Commission and Congress should consider making changes to ensure effective coordination and consultation with Tribes on broadband related issues.

Establish a National Broadband Clearinghouse to promote best practices and information sharing

Recommendation #98
FCC Chapter: 9.13
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration should establish a National Broadband Clearinghouse to promote best practices and information sharing.

Expand regional capacity-building efforts

Recommendation #96
FCC Chapter: 9.11

Status: In progress

Federal support should be expanded for regional capacity-building efforts aimed at improving broadband deployment and adoption.

Expand Lifeline and Link-Up to include broadband

Recommendation #86
FCC Chapter: 9.1

Status: In progress

The Federal Communications Commission should expand Lifeline Assistance and Link-Up America to make broadband more affordable for low-income households.

Expand USF support on Tribal lands

Recommendation #84
FCC Chapter: 8.21

Status: In progress

Congress should consider amending the Communications Act to provide discretion to the FCC to allow anchor institutions on Tribal lands to share broadband network capacity that is funded by the E-rate or the Rural Health Care program with other community institutions designated by Tribal governments.

Facilitate demand aggregation

Recommendation #83
FCC Chapter: 8.20

Status: In progress

Federal and state policies should facilitate demand aggregation and use of state, regional and local networks when that is the most cost-efficient solution for anchor institutions to meet their connectivity needs.

Make clear that Tribal, state, regional and local governments can build broadband networks

Recommendation #82
FCC Chapter: 8.19

Status: Not Started

Congress should make clear that Tribal, state, regional and local governments can build broadband networks.