FCC Seeks Input on Broadband Deployment and Adoption on Tribal Lands

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking comment on identifying and remedying barriers to broadband deployment and adoption on Tribal Lands. This Public Notice seeks comment on specific barriers to broadband deployment and adoption in Indian Country and how can they be reduced or eliminated. An initial problem in addressing these issues is the current lack of data on the extent of broadband deployment and adoption on Tribal lands. In recently filed Joint Comments, Native Public Media (NPM), an organization promoting radio broadcasting and media ownership by Native communities, and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the largest national organization representing federally recognized Tribal government entities, estimate that "Tribal penetration [of broadband deployment ] hovers somewhere around f5%." The FCC is asking for by November 9; replies by December 9.