WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced an award of $2,464,533 to Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP). This funding will pre-pay broadband services for tribal homes as well as purchase end user equipment for those that require it. Additionally, this project will collaborate with a tribal college to provide a student with the opportunity to intern while in school.
“North Dakotans are more connected than ever before, but gaps still exist in remote areas,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “This grant will go a long way to help reduce some of the remaining lapses in connectivity for the Standing Rock area, and I commend Chairwoman Alkire for working to bring more residents online with reliable, high-speed internet.”
The TBCP is a nearly $3 billion grant program offering grants to eligible Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian entities for high-speed internet deployment, digital inclusion, workforce development, telehealth, and distance learning. The funds are made available through the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Consolidated Appropriations Act.