Margaret Gutierrez

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration understands that expanding digital equity advances Native nations and Indigenous communities’ access to critical services such as education, healthcare, and economic development. This year, NTIA is highlighting a key funding opportunity through our Digital Equity Act Programs, which provide vital support to Native entities working to bridge the digital divide.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and its network contractor AT&T are working to bring FirstNet’s unique capabilities to areas historically prone to communication challenges. FirstNet currently provides over 2.71 million square miles of coverage and new cell sites are launching nationwide, including in Tribal communities such as the Nez Perce Reservation in Idaho, the Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota, and the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota.