The good news is inroads are being made to solve the lack of connectivity. In recent years, the federal government has acknowledged the problem: that high-speed internet is necessary these days to support business, economic development, education and healthcare. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), USDA, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) are funding programs to address telephony and Internet gaps in Indian Country, as are California, Montana, Alaska and other states. One project being sponsored by a number of agencies, is creating a nationwide map of broadband access, showing graphically and with precise geolocation information, where significant cell and broadband gaps exist.
In December, 2013 the FCC’s Connect America Fund authorized providing over $255 million in funding to provide new broadband to connect nearly 1 million people who lack service. This brings the total Connect America Fund to nearly $403 million. The fund is part of the FCC’s initiative to bring broadband access to rural communities.
Getting broadband to the underserved areas in Washington State is also an engine for economic growth. Startups have the opportunity to get funded and existing businesses have the opportunity to expand by forming partnerships with larger telecommunications companies. tribal leaders, telecommunications carriers, high-tech industry professionals, and entrepreneurs can find the federal, state and private resources to bring broadband into Indian Country.
For more information, please see Lael Echo-Hawk’s blog at http://www.smokesignalsindianlaw.com.
Lael Echo-Hawk, a member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, is of counsel with the law firm Garvey Schubert Barer and has worked as a tribal attorney for more than 10 years. Her practice includes working as in-house counsel to the Tulalip Tribes of Washington, serving as counselor to the chair of the National Indian Gaming Association and the legislative director for the Native American Contractors Association. Echo-Hawk has extensive experience working directly with tribal leadership and tribal administrative staff. She regularly advises tribal service programs, including tribal healthcare and Indian Child welfare departments. –Manny Frishberg