Telecommunications & Technology

The United States is continuing its transition from analog-based services to digital technologies capable of handling broadband speeds. To ensure that tribes are prepared to lead the way in America’s digital future, NCAI has continued to advocate for increased broadband deployment and access for tribal communities. Tribal communities still lag behind the rest of the United States in access to radio, wireless, and broadband services. This disparity underscores the critical opportunity to ensure the advancement of telecommunications access throughout Indian Country.

Based on recommendations advanced by tribes and tribal organizations in the National Broadband Plan, the FCC announced numerous strategies to obtain feedback on important steps to improve broadband deployment and access on tribal lands. One of the most promising strategies was the creation of a Native Nations Broadband Task Force.

On November 18, 2011 the FCC released a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which overhauled the Universal Service Fund (USF) and substantially revised its intercarrier compensation (ICC) mechanisms. The 759-page order represents the most significant overhaul of telecommunications regulation in nearly a century. It adopts a new Connect America Fund and a new Mobility Fund, including a set-aside “Tribal Mobility Fund.” The Administration’s policy goal to transition from analog-based services to digital broadband technologies poses unique challenges when many tribal nations even lack access to basic analog services.

NCAI has also worked in coordination with the FCC’s Office of Native Affairs and Policy to ensure effective consultation with tribes and communication with tribal groups and organizations, as well as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian entities. These efforts have included urging the Administration and Congress to invest the resources necessary to obtain an accurate assessment of broadband capabilities within tribal communities.