Numerous Indigenous communities remain without access to broadband internet. Here we explain why.

In the context of the global pandemic of 2020, the U.S. federal government promised to improve internet access in Indigenous communities by allocating significant funds to high-speed broadband initiatives. However, despite these investments, Indigenous communities on tribal lands continue to face significant challenges. While 90% of American households have access to broadband internet services, only 71% of American Indian and Alaska Native households are subscribed to internet services, according to the latest census data.

High-speed internet connectivity has become a crucial factor for social, educational, and economic well-being. Despite the efforts, the American Indian Policy Institute reveals that 18% of residents in tribal reservations have no access to the internet at all, and 33% rely on their smartphones to connect, which translates into unreliable connections for approximately 31% of respondents.

A study from July 2023 indicates that tribal communities have 21% less access to the internet compared to neighboring non-tribal areas. Additionally, download speeds are about 75% slower in these regions, and the costs for basic internet services are 11% higher than in other areas. Despite various factors that could explain these disparities, there is noted to be a considerable margin of unexplained variation.

In a world where daily life increasingly depends on the internet, Indigenous communities find themselves at a digital disadvantage. A study by the Center for Retirement Research claims that members of tribal communities are less likely to receive Social Security benefits, despite having higher poverty rates, partly due to the transfer of many resources and services to online platforms.

The laxity in internet access is not a problem with an easy solution, although solutions do exist. Some private companies have expressed their intention to work on connecting rural and Indigenous communities, but their efforts are limited by tribal and federal negotiations, as well as market dynamics. Many Indigenous leaders are seeking their own solutions, raising questions about tribal sovereignty and digital privacy.

In 2025, new funding strategies were observed, although obstacles persist. Since 2009, efforts have been made to address the digital divide, but federal investment in Indigenous territories has been minimal compared to the needs. In 2021, the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program was launched, securing specific funding for tribal connectivity, creating a priority space that allowed communities to obtain spectrum licenses.

There is growing concern about the continuity of these funds under the current administration, as many in the Indigenous community fear that allocated resources may be compromised or withdrawn.

As some communities choose to collaborate with large telecommunications companies to improve access, others are looking to build their own internet networks. Matthew Rantanen, an advocate for Indigenous connectivity, leads efforts that enable communities to establish their own infrastructures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control over their networks and data.

Despite investments and promises, results are slow to materialize. The planning and construction of fiber optic projects can take years, and for many in Indigenous communities, the wait can feel powerful and uncertain. It is recognized that sustainable and collaborative strategies are required to ensure that communities are not only connected but also maintain control over their access to and use of technology.