Last week, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, issued a press release to reveal that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) would grant $1 million to the Pueblo of Jemez and Pueblo of Nambé. These funds, amounting to $500,000 each, will be utilized to improve broadband connectivity in the respective tribal communities of New Mexico, fostering digital inclusion and accessibility for their residents according to a press release.
"Access to high-speed internet is necessary in today’s society— from telehealth to education, folks in rural and Tribal communities must receive equitable broadband access," U.S. Senatory Ben Ray Luján said.
According to a press release issued on July 21, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján announced the allocation of $1 million in grants from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) to the Pueblo of Jemez and Pueblo of Nambé. Each Pueblo will receive $500,000 to enhance their broadband infrastructure, providing vital resources to bridge the digital divide and improve access to online education, telehealth services, e-commerce opportunities, and overall community development. Senator Luján's advocacy for expanding broadband connectivity aims to empower tribal communities with equal access to digital resources and technological advancements, fostering their growth and prosperity in the digital age
“Access to high-speed internet is necessary in today’s society— from telehealth to education, folks in rural and Tribal communities must receive equitable broadband access,” said U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján, according to a press release. “That’s why I’m proud to welcome $1 million in broadband investments to my neighbors in the Pueblo of Nambé and Pueblo of Jemez. This significant investment will help bridge the digital divide for Tribal communities by establishing broadband infrastructure deployment across Tribal lands.”
The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, a $3 billion grant initiative, is designed to support broadband deployment, affordability, and digital inclusion on Tribal lands by providing funding directly to Tribal governments. Senator Ben Ray Luján, who endorsed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Consolidated Appropriations Act, played a significant role in the establishment and funding of the TBCP, ensuring essential resources for improving connectivity and bridging the digital divide in Tribal communities according to a press release.
U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján's efforts have resulted in securing a $1 million grant to bolster broadband access in the Pueblo of Jemez and Pueblo of Nambé in New Mexico. This investment will play a vital role in bridging the digital divide and empowering these tribal communities with the resources they need to prosper in the modern age. With improved connectivity, residents will gain better access to telehealth services, education, and economic opportunities, fostering growth and development within the tribal regions.