Individuals who are Members of a Racial or Ethnic Minority Group

Cruz Creating Detours on the Road to Internet For All

Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress and the Biden Administration created the “Internet for All” Initiative, a $65 billion investment to ensure all Americans can access affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet. But with new leadership coming to the White House and the U.S. Senate in January, the promise of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act may not be realized. On November 21, 2024, incoming Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX), sent a pair of letters to the U.S.

Bringing Economic Equity and Opportunity to America’s Tribal Communities

The Commerce Department remains committed to economic growth and support for America’s Tribal communities because of President Biden’s leadership in addressing historic inequities. Over the past four years, the Biden-Harris Administration has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to closing the digital divide in Native communities and signific

North Carolinians Vote for Broadband

On November 5 North Carolinians continued a trend of ticket splitting during the 2024 elections.

Sen Cruz Tells NTIA to Halt "Unconstitutional" Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is expected to soon begin distributing $1.25 billion in grants to nonprofits under the “Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program” (Program) “to support efforts to achieve digital equity, promote digital inclusion activities, and spur greater adoption of broadband among Covered Populations.” The Program’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) establishes that applicants must use the funding to serve members of “Covered Populations,” defined to include “individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group.” This

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Empowering Native Communities Through Digital Equity

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.

How States Plan To Track Digital Equity Progress

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act sets an ambitious overarching goal: internet for all. But past access and adoption, states are asked to think about how increased access to and use of broadband can drive equitable outcomes in areas like access to health care and essential services, education and job training, and participation in the society, economy, and civic institutions of the Nation.

Seven Star Communities: Recognizing Native Entities for Their Excellence in Digital Inclusion

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance is proud to recognize the inaugural awardees of the Seven Star Communities program! This program is the first time Native nations and entities are being honored and recognized for their excellence in providing sustainable digital inclusion solutions that address their community and nation’s connectivity, digital skills, and device access. Digital inclusion and equity are essential to a Native nation’s educational, health, economic, cultural, and social needs.

California Takes Steps Towards Digital Equity

On October 25, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded over $70 million in funding to California through the Digital Equity Act's Capacity Grant Program.

Biden-Harris Administration Awards $72 Million to Expand Internet Access and Digital Literacy for Native Hawaiians

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) more than $72 million from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program to expand high-speed Internet access and adoption in Native Hawaiian households. The nearly $3 billion Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All Initiative.