Broadband Resources for Tribes in California

Planning and Technical Assistance Resources

USDA Broadband Technical Assistance Grant Program

Federally recognized tribes and tribal entities may apply for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Broadband Technical Assistance grant program. Awards are up to $1,000,000 for technical assistance providers and up to $500,000 for technical assistance recipients. Funds may be used for broadband project planning and community engagement, financial sustainability, environmental compliance, construction and engineering planning, accessing federal resources, and data collection and reporting. The current application window closes on August 20, 2024. View program guidelines, requirements, and contact information here.

Tribal Resource Center

The Tribal Resource Center provides a collection of resources to assist Tribal nations with broadband connectivity endeavors. This hub contains articles, links, and videos to help Tribes build and manage their own high speed communications networks. The Tribal Resource Center also has an online community space for asking questions and learning from Tribal digital leaders. Learn more about the center here.

California Tribal Technical Assistance Grant Program

California Tribes may apply to the California Public Utilities Commission for technical assistance grants that support Tribal broadband needs and access. The Tribal Technical Assistance program funds market studies, feasibility studies, needs assessments, broadband deployment-related grant writing and/or business plans. Funding awards shall not exceed $250,000 per tribe, per fiscal year. View the application requirements and guidelines here. Questions may be sent to Tribal_Tech_Assist@cpuc.ca.gov. 

California Permitting Playbook and Other Broadband Planning Resources

The California Department of Technology and the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development created the Permitting Playbook to share best-practices, examples polities and a checklist to streamline the process for deploying broadband regionally.  In addition, this Broadband for All Planning Resources webpage provides a collection of resources to help you plan for broadband deployment and other essential aspects of digital equity and inclusion.

Federal State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program

The Digital Equity Act, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), dedicates $2.75 billion to three grant programs that promote digital inclusion and equity, including $15 million dedicated to tribes. The goal of these programs is to ensure all communities have affordable access and can use the Internet to improve their lives. General questions may be sent toscott.adams@state.ca.gov.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Broadband Data Collection/Form 477 _{Required to obtain BEAD funding}

The FCC's first Broadband Data Collection opened on June 30, 2022. All facilities-based providers of mobile or fixed broadband internet access were required to submit their filings by September 1, 2022. Broadband service providers must submit both the FCC’s Form 477 and the Broadband Data Collection filings. This filing is also required for BEAD funding.  Broadband Data Submissions must also be filed with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) here. Learn more about Federal Broadband Data Collection filings here.

Strategic Growth Council's Tribal Capacity Building Pilot Program

The Strategic Growth Council (SGC) has announced a new funding and technical assistance pilot program to aid California Tribes in developing long-term capacity for realizing Tribal-led climate solutions related to climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Visit the Tribal Capacity Building Pilot Program website to see the grantees (awarded in April 2024) and for more information about the program. Questions may be directed to SGC.info@sgc.ca.gov.

Infrastructure Development Resources

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Tribal Broadband Connectivity Fund

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is a $980 million program, administered by the NTIA, directed to Tribal governments for broadband deployment on tribal lands as well as for telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability, and digital inclusion. The application window closed September 1, 2021. You may access the current list of awardees here. Please direct questions to NTIA at (202) 482-2048 or internetforall@ntia.gov.

Federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

Nationally, BEAD provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure development and adoption programs. This federal grant program aims to get all Americans online by funding partnerships between states or territories, communities, and stakeholders to build infrastructure where needed and increase adoption of high-speed internet. BEAD prioritizes unserved locations that have no internet access or only have access to speeds below 25/3 Mbps as well as underserved locations where speeds are less than 100/20 Mbps. Eligible entities must coordinate with local governments, Tribes, community organizations, and individuals within their jurisdiction. Please direct general questions to BEAD@cpuc.ca.gov.

California Last Mile Federal Funding Account

The Federal Funding Account, established by the CPUC according to Senate Bill 156, will fund $2 billion in last mile broadband infrastructure projects to connect unserved and underserved Californians with high-speed broadband services. The first window for grant applications closed on September 29, 2023. Subscribe here for program updates and other broadband funding news from the CPUC. Questions may be sent to statewidebroadband@cpuc.ca.gov.

California Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative

Senate Bill 156 also provides $3.25 billion to build an open-access middle-mile network that brings equitable high-speed broadband service to all Californians. This infrastructure is being built to bring internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and community institutions. The middle-mile network system design may be viewed on this Statewide Construction Evaluation Map that includes 10,000 miles of construction spanning the entire state. Last Mile projects will connect to this Middle Mile infrastructure. The design and construction of the middle-mile network is monitored by the California Department of Technology’s Middle-Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC). View upcoming monthly MMAC meetings here. Please direct questions to middlemile@state.ca.gov.

Federal ReConnect Loan and Grant Program

The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utility Services Telecommunication Programs (USDA RUS), furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. The application window is currently closed.

Federal Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees

This program, administered by the USDA RUS, provides financing for the construction, maintenance, improvement and expansion of telephone service and broadband in rural areas. For questions about the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan Program, please call the Loan Origination and Approval Division at (202) 720-0800.

Federal Communications Commission 2.5 GHz Spectrum

The Rural Tribal Priority Window provided an opportunity for tribes in rural areas to directly access unassigned 2.5 GHz spectrum over their rural Tribal lands. The September 2, 2020, deadline for Tribal applications for 2.5 GHz spectrum has passed, and the Rural Tribal Priority Window has closed. Check the status of your application through the Universal Licensing System here. Please direct questions to RuralTribalWindow@fcc.gov and native@fcc.gov.

Microgrid Incentive Program coming in 2024 _{program information (pdf)}

The program objective is to fund community microgrids supporting the critical needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable populations including Tribes, that are most likely to be impacted by electrical service outages. Utilities will perform on-the-ground outreach and consultation to potential applicants prior to the 2024 opening of application window. 

More Information

Compendium of Federal Broadband Funding Programs

Searchable list of federal funding programs that support high-speed Internet planning, infrastructure, and adoption.

Compendium of California Broadband Funding Programs

Searchable list of California broadband funding programs including planning, infrastructure, adoption, and digital literacy.

California Tribal Land Transfer Policy

Allows for the transfer of land from investor-owned utilities to Native American Tribes with a historical interest in the land.