New Bill Boosts Internet Access on Tribal Lands
🕓 Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes Overview A significant legislative effort is underway to bridge the long-standing digital divide in Indigenous communities across the United States. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) have introduced new legislation aimed at bolstering communications infrastructure and expanding vital internet access tribal lands. This bipartisan initiative, known as the 'Tribal Broadband and Communications Act of 2024,' seeks to enhance federal coordination, streamline deployment processes, and provide dedicated resources to ensure that Native American communities have equitable access to high-speed internet and reliable communication services. The bill addresses critical gaps that have historically left many tribal areas underserved, impacting everything from education and healthcare to economic development and public safety. This new digital divide bill represents a concerted effort to empower tribal nations with the tools ne...