Calif. Democrats seek more broadband for tribal lands

Two California Democrats introduced the Tribal Internet Expansion Act Tuesday to add tribal lands to the federal Communications Act. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Adam Schiff and Rep. Raul Ruiz, would clarify that tribes can receive federal broadband support in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

According to reporting by Law360, the change is meant to steer more resources to Indian Country and strengthen the FCC’s Universal Service Fund so it better serves tribal nations. Ruiz was quoted as saying that access to high-speed internet is now a necessity and many tribal communities lack affordable service that students, patients and families rely on.

Larry Wright Jr., executive director of the National Congress of American Indians, called the bill a timely step toward closing the “tribal digital divide.”