Billions for Tribal Internet: Commerce Seeks Form Feedback
Published Date: 12/10/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Commerce is asking for public feedback on forms used for two big programs that help Native communities get better internet. These programs, funded by a $65 billion law, aim to close the digital divide and bring fast, affordable internet to tribal areas. Comments on the forms are open until February 9, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up and help shape how the grants work!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
NEGP: 5% Funding Reserved for Native Entities
Under the Native Entities Grant Program (NEGP), NTIA must reserve not less than five percent (5%) of total program funds for Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations. The programs are funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provided $65 billion for programs to close the digital divide.
TBCP Grants to Expand Tribal Broadband Access
The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) provides federal grants to expand broadband service on Tribal Land or to fund programs that promote use of broadband for remote learning, telework, or telehealth. TBCP is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and as amended by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Application Burden: Time and Cost Estimates
NTIA estimates 700 applicants will respond, with 10 hours per applicant, for an estimated 7,000 total annual burden hours and an estimated total annual cost to the public of $321,426. Responding is mandatory and public comments on the forms are due by February 9, 2026.
NTIA NOFOs and Red Tape Reduction Plans
NTIA intends to release Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) in spring 2026 for both NEGP and TBCP and is working on reforms to reduce red tape, promote flexibility, and better align grant opportunities for Tribal connectivity; those reforms will be reflected in the forthcoming NOFOs. The public is invited to comment on the proposed information collections before submission to OMB.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04704 — NTIA Innovation Fund AI RAN Listening Session
The NTIA is hosting a hybrid listening session on March 23, 2026, to talk about progress and gather ideas for the Innovation Fund, which helps boost U.S. leadership in 5G and future wireless tech. This affects companies and innovators in wireless tech by shaping future funding and support. It’s a chance to influence how money is spent to build better, open, and competitive wireless networks.
2026-01563 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; NTIA Space Launch Frequency Coordination Portal
The Department of Commerce is asking for public feedback on a new online form that space companies must use to request radio frequencies for their launches. This helps make sure launches don’t interfere with other signals. About 15 companies will spend around an hour each filling out this form, and comments are open for 30 days after this notice.
2026-01594 — NTIA Listening Session on the Use of BEAD Funds Saved Through the Trump Administration's Benefit of the Bargain Reforms
The NTIA is hosting a virtual listening session on February 11, 2026, to hear ideas on how to use leftover BEAD broadband funds saved thanks to the Trump Administration’s Benefit of the Bargain reforms. This meeting affects communities and internet providers looking to expand broadband access, aiming to decide smart ways to spend these saved dollars. Stakeholders’ input will help shape future broadband plans and policies.
2025-21295 — NTIA Listening Session on Kids' Excessive Screen Time
The NTIA is hosting a virtual listening session on December 10, 2025, to talk about kids spending too much time on screens at school. They want to hear from experts and stakeholders about how federal rules and funding affect the use of devices and apps in education. This meeting will help shape future policies to balance technology use and protect kids’ data, impacting schools, families, and tech companies.
2025-19192 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NTIA Space Launch Frequency Coordination Portal
The Department of Commerce wants your thoughts on their new Space Launch Frequency Coordination Portal, which helps manage rocket launch schedules. This affects companies and agencies involved in space launches by making the process smoother and less paperwork-heavy. They’re asking for comments over the next 60 days before finalizing the plan—no big costs, just better coordination!
2025-16680 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; NTIA Internet Use Survey
The Department of Commerce is updating its NTIA Internet Use Survey, which asks 50,000 households about their internet habits every two years. This info helps shape better broadband policies and creates a public dataset for researchers. You’ve got 30 days to share your thoughts, and it only takes about 10 minutes to respond—totally voluntary and no cost involved!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22400 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE American LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Modify the NYSE American Options Fee Schedule To Amend the Qualifying Criteria for Initiating Participant Credits for Single-Leg CUBE Auctions
Starting December 1, 2025, NYSE American is changing the rules for earning credits when traders start single-leg CUBE Auctions. This update affects traders using these auctions by tweaking how they qualify for fee credits, potentially saving them money. The change kicks in right away, making it easier and clearer to get rewarded for participating.
Next: 2025-22402 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE National, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Rule 6.6800 Series
NYSE National is updating its rules to match new reporting requirements about special short sales called bona fide market making exceptions. This change affects broker-dealers who must now report if an order to sell is a short sale with this special exception. The update is effective immediately and helps keep trading data clear and accurate without adding extra costs.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in