en.Wedoany.com Reported - The U.S. Department of Commerce announced on June 17, 2026, that it has officially opened the application channel for a total of $790 million in tribal broadband funding.
This funding consists of two parts: $540 million from the Department's Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP), and an additional $250 million from funds specifically reserved for tribal entities under the Digital Equity Act. According to the agency's press release, the application deadline for both funds is September 17, 2026.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which manages the program, stated in November 2025 that it would update relevant programs to streamline administrative processes. NTIA said the Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) released this time are a concrete manifestation of these reform measures. NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth stated in a declaration that by reducing unnecessary red tape, increasing flexibility, and maximizing the impact of federal funds, these NOFOs help tribes and Indigenous nations focus on connecting communities rather than navigating bureaucracy.
While announcing the reform plan, the agency also denied TBCP applications that had previously received preliminary approval, a move that sparked dissatisfaction among some tribes. One tribal broadband advocate said they are still reviewing the new NOFOs and assessing their impact. NTIA will host an informational webinar on the NOFOs on June 24.
TBCP funds can be used for broadband infrastructure deployment or broadband adoption promotion. Application amounts for infrastructure projects range from $1 million to $25 million, while adoption projects range from $500,000 to $2.5 million. NTIA stated it will prioritize network deployment projects. Eligible adoption programs include broadband subscription subsidies for low-income households, device subsidies, and digital skills training. All projects must be completed within four years.
Digital Equity funds are used similarly to TBCP adoption funds, covering broadband service and device subsidies, digital skills training, public computing center construction, and projects that promote education and employment opportunities through broadband. Participants are required to provide a 10% match of the funds received, but may apply for a waiver.
NTIA disbursed $1.8 billion in the first round of TBCP and $360 million in the second round. A March report from the Department of Commerce's Inspector General showed that approximately $600 million from the first round and about $23 million from the second round had been drawn down and used by recipients. The Digital Equity Act allocated approximately $2.75 billion for broadband adoption efforts. Aside from the tribal reservation portion announced this time, the remaining funds were canceled by the Trump administration last year.
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