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After federal investment, supply chain jams and labor shortages still hinder tribal broadband access

Apr 6, 2023
In Oklahoma's Osage Nation, the construction of a 200-mile fiber network is underway, but hurdles abound.
To boost broadband access, tribal nations must compete with states that are also flush with federal funds to purchase the same supplies.
trumzz/Getty Images

FCC readies broadband map to help allocate funds for higher speeds

Nov 17, 2022
Identifying where high-speed internet is available has been tricky. But the map may give officials a better idea of who's left out.
The new map may address stubborn inequality in the reach of broadband internet. Tribal and rural communities could benefit.
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On tribal lands, broadband access remains a struggle

Aug 10, 2022
More funding for internet access has been made available during the COVID-19 pandemic, but coordination and permitting are still hurdles.
While a lot of schools, workplaces and medical clinics moved their operations online during the pandemic, many Native communities were left behind.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Millions of eligible Americans are missing out on broadband internet subsidies

Jan 24, 2022
People without reliable internet access can be hard to reach.
By one estimate, about 30 million American households are missing out on the FCC's monthly subsidy.
Valerie Macon/Getty Images

FCC proposes rule change to help tribal libraries with broadband

Oct 25, 2021
A change to the E-Rate program could help tribal libraries get online.
Navajo Nation is currently expanding internet capacity at local government and community centers that function like libraries through E-Rate, a Federal Communications Commission program that helps schools and libraries access affordable broadband.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

WhatsApp outage highlights the scale of its worldwide use

Oct 5, 2021
The Facebook property has become a business lifeline in countries where other communication alternatives are expensive or inaccessible.
The interruption of Facebook's WhatsApp platform on Monday hindered communication and business across the globe.
Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images

Broadband, computer subsidies on the way for those who qualify

May 11, 2021
Applications open May 12 for low-income consumers who need help paying for faster, more reliable internet.
Those who qualify will receive a discount on their monthly internet bill and money toward a new computer.
Karen Bleier/AFP via Getty Images

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Next on Democrats' agenda, a "holistic" infrastructure bill

Mar 15, 2021
Green energy, internet connectivity and new school buildings are likely to be on the agenda for the White House and Democrats.
Climate change and green solutions, like wind and solar power, will be a likely focus of the Biden administration's infrastructure plan. Above, a worker installs solar panels.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

For many in rural parts of the U.S., internet access is still elusive

Oct 6, 2020
Rural counties in Mississippi received a $4.6 million grant to connect schools, businesses and public services to the internet.
The FCC has estimated it will take about $80 billion to bring broadband access to the whole country.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Should we treat internet service like a public utility?

The idea is that internet is not a luxury, but a fundamental part of participating in the economy.
The digital divide is more obvious than ever, as tens of millions of Americans still don't have access to reliable high-speed internet.
Sandra Mu/Getty Images