Broadband Access

U.S. Media

•

14 days

Summary

sources
32
Narrative Items
39
Bottom Line Up Front

32 sources in U.S. Media are amplifying 39 narrative items relating to the narrative of inadequate broadband access in Indigenous communities. These narratives connect themes of federal funding failures, disparities in connectivity, and the struggle for digital sovereignty, illustrating the tension between external partnerships and self-determination in addressing technological inequities.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that New America presents a critical perspective on the disparities in broadband access in Indigenous communities. The outlet characterizes these events in a negative light, emphasizing the frustration and obstacles faced by these communities despite the substantial federal investment. The language used is direct and impactful, featuring phrases like "lagging behind" and "slow rollout," which evoke a sense of urgency and highlight the inequities at play. New America discusses the tension between partnering with large corporations like AT&T versus pursuing self-determined networks, illustrating a divide in strategies toward digital sovereignty. While the piece addresses systemic issues without overt bias, the focus on the failures of federal responses suggests a strong advocacy for Indigenous rights and empowerment. Comparatively, if other media sources were to provide coverage, they might either downplay these challenges or portray the partnerships with corporations in a more favorable light, creating a varied landscape of interpretation where some outlets highlight the positive strides in connectivity while overlooking deeper systemic issues.

About This Module

The U.S. Media module tracks a broad range of American media sources, including major television, cable, print, and online organizations.

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Sources

Sources by Type
Sources of these types represent most of the amplification activity around this narrative
sources by Volume
These sources are amplifying the most items involved in this narrative. Click to see details of each source's narrative activity.
Top sources
Day-by-day volumetric activity of sources amplifying the most items around this narrative
Techdirt
10% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Florida Politics
5% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
City and State New York
5% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
CT Mirror
5% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Rest of World
5% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
New York Post
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Voice of America
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Daily Camera
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Loveland Reporter-Herald
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
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Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified. Click to see details and suggested messages.
Amplifiers:
New America
mashable.com
Why the 'digital divide' persists within Indigenous communities
Despite billions in federal funding, broadband access remains low in Indigenous communities, lagging 21 percentage points behind non-tribal areas. Slow speeds and high costs persist. While some tribes partner with companies like AT&T for connectivity, others prioritize self-determined, digitally sovereign networks, emphasizing control over data and infrastructure. The slow rollout of projects highlights the complex political and logistical challenges involved.
Amplifiers:
University Business
universitybusiness.com
Roxbury Community College turns to students to bridge digital divide
Roxbury Community College, serving a largely low-income, minority student body, held its first hackathon. Top students developed AI solutions to improve online platform engagement and address the digital divide, boosting digital literacy and academic performance.
Amplifiers:
ArcaMax
arcamax.com
Already-lagging broadband program faces more uncertainty under Trump
The BEAD program, aimed at expanding broadband access, is behind schedule and faces funding uncertainty under the Trump administration. Slow progress stems from flawed mapping, lengthy approval processes, and concerns over expensive infrastructure choices. While some states advance, others struggle with affordability and the program's efficiency, raising questions about its effectiveness in bridging the digital divide.
Amplifiers:
Times of San Diego
timesofsandiego.com
Already-Lagging Broadband Program Faces More Uncertainty Under Trump
The $42.45 billion BEAD program, aimed at expanding broadband access, is significantly behind schedule. Slow progress stems from inefficient mapping, lengthy challenge processes, and concerns about expensive infrastructure choices. Further uncertainty arises from potential Trump administration actions impacting funding and regulations, leaving many, including rural communities, without high-speed internet access.
Amplifiers:
St. Paul Pioneer Press
twincities.com
Already-lagging broadband program faces more uncertainty under Trump
The BEAD program, aiming to expand broadband access, is lagging. Funding and rules face uncertainty under the Trump administration, slowing progress due to inefficient processes, inaccurate mapping, and potentially overly expensive infrastructure choices. Affordability concerns remain paramount, even as states actively pursue solutions.
Amplifiers:
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
dailybulletin.com
Already-lagging broadband program faces more uncertainty under Trump
The BEAD program, aiming to expand broadband access, is behind schedule. Funding uncertainty under the Trump administration and inefficient processes, including flawed mapping and potentially expensive infrastructure choices, hinder progress. Concerns remain about affordability, even as states actively pursue broadband expansion through legislation.
Amplifiers:
Daily Camera
dailycamera.com
Already-lagging broadband program faces more uncertainty under Trump
The BEAD program, aimed at expanding broadband access, is lagging. Funding and rules face uncertainty under the Trump administration, and slow progress is attributed to flawed mapping, lengthy challenges, and potentially overly expensive infrastructure choices. Concerns remain about affordability, even as states actively pursue broadband expansion through legislation.
Amplifiers:
Loveland Reporter-Herald
reporterherald.com
Already-lagging broadband program faces more uncertainty under Trump
The BEAD program, aimed at expanding broadband access, is lagging. Slow progress is due to mapping inaccuracies, lengthy challenges, and concerns about expensive infrastructure choices. Funding uncertainty under the Trump administration and affordability issues further complicate the program's rollout, impacting underserved communities.
Amplifiers:
San Diego Union Tribune
sandiegouniontribune.com
Already-lagging broadband program faces more uncertainty under Trump
The BEAD program, aimed at expanding broadband access, is lagging. Slow progress stems from inefficient mapping, lengthy challenge processes, and potential overspending on infrastructure. Concerns exist about funding uncertainty under the Trump administration and the program's affordability requirements. Experts debate optimal technology choices, with some advocating for cost-effective alternatives to fiber optics.
Amplifiers:
Greeley Tribune
greeleytribune.com
Already-lagging broadband program faces more uncertainty under Trump
The BEAD program, aimed at expanding broadband access, is lagging. Funding uncertainties under the Trump administration, inefficient mapping, and expensive infrastructure choices are hindering progress. While states are working to address these issues, concerns remain about affordability and the program's overall effectiveness in bridging the digital divide.
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Entities

Tap or click for details
These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Technologies
Fiber Optic Networks
High-speed internet infrastructure that some tribes are developing.
Satellite Internet
A technology that may be used to provide broadband access in remote areas.
Organizations
National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
An organization advocating for Indigenous rights, including broadband access.
Native Public Media
An organization focused on media and communication in Native communities.
Companies
AT&T
A telecommunications company partnering with tribes for broadband services.
Verizon
Another telecommunications company that may be involved in similar initiatives.
Events
Broadband Access Initiatives
Programs aimed at improving internet access in Indigenous communities.
Digital Sovereignty Conferences
Events focused on discussions around self-determined digital infrastructure for tribes.
People
Tribal Leaders
Individuals leading Indigenous communities in decision-making regarding broadband access.
AT&T Executives
Corporate leaders involved in partnerships with tribes for broadband connectivity.
Technologies
Fiber Optic Networks
High-speed internet infrastructure that some tribes are developing.
Satellite Internet
A technology that may be used to provide broadband access in remote areas.
Organizations
National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
An organization advocating for Indigenous rights, including broadband access.
Native Public Media
An organization focused on media and communication in Native communities.
Companies
AT&T
A telecommunications company partnering with tribes for broadband services.
Verizon
Another telecommunications company that may be involved in similar initiatives.
Events
Broadband Access Initiatives
Programs aimed at improving internet access in Indigenous communities.
Digital Sovereignty Conferences
Events focused on discussions around self-determined digital infrastructure for tribes.
People
Tribal Leaders
Individuals leading Indigenous communities in decision-making regarding broadband access.
AT&T Executives
Corporate leaders involved in partnerships with tribes for broadband connectivity.

Context

Indigenous communities in the United States face significant challenges regarding broadband access, which is critical for economic development, education, and healthcare. Despite substantial federal funding aimed at improving connectivity, these communities experience access rates that are 21 percentage points lower than non-tribal areas. This disparity is exacerbated by slow internet speeds and high costs, which hinder opportunities for remote work, online learning, and telehealth services.

Demographically, Indigenous populations are often located in rural and remote areas, where the infrastructure for broadband is less developed. This geographic isolation complicates efforts to establish reliable internet services. While some tribes have partnered with major telecommunications companies like AT&T to enhance connectivity, others are pursuing self-determined, digitally sovereign networks. This approach allows tribes to maintain control over their data and infrastructure, reflecting a broader desire for autonomy and self-governance.

The political landscape surrounding broadband access is complex, involving negotiations between tribal governments, federal agencies, and private companies. Logistical challenges, such as the need for extensive infrastructure development in sparsely populated areas, further delay the rollout of projects. Additionally, issues of funding allocation and regulatory hurdles can impede progress.

From a national security perspective, inadequate broadband access in Indigenous communities can exacerbate vulnerabilities, particularly in times of crisis when reliable communication is essential. The digital divide not only affects economic opportunities but also impacts the ability of these communities to engage fully in civic life and access essential services, highlighting the need for targeted policies that address these disparities.
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