At Rural4G, our mission is to bring economic internet solutions to rural people all across the US, especially in areas where satellite connections are few and far between. One way that we’re doing this is through our Affordable Connectivity Program in partnership with the FCC.
With this program, we’re offering a $30 discount on our monthly rates to eligible, low-income households (based on various criteria), while also offering $75 discounts to eligible households that live on Qualifying Tribal Lands. We wrote this blog to expand on the scheme, the benefits it could have to Native American Tribes in the country, and how to qualify as eligible to get involved.
Where Are the Country’s Tribal Communities?
There are 574 federally recognized Native American tribes across 48 states in North America and Alaska, while there is also a Native American Tribes Map currently circulating that depicts over 600 tribal communities throughout the country. The vast majority of these communities do qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, however, living on tribal land doesn’t automatically secure your discount.
Who’s Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
When it comes to low-income areas and households in tribal communities, there are a few ways that one can secure a discount.
If you’re living on qualifying tribal land and are participating in one or more of these assistance programs, you’re likely eligible for our Affordable Connectivity Program.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income based)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
You can visit the FCC’s website for more specific details on eligibility, along with the criteria for non-tribal households.
Benefits of Connectivity in Tribal Communities
Sadly across the US, poverty affects tribal communities disproportionately, and we believe that bringing affordable internet connectivity could help this statistic to change.
With our Affordable Connectivity Program, we can help bring some of these less fortunate communities into the modern world. With internet access comes the potential to:
- Create new jobs for the digital age
- Increase access to healthcare
- Increase access to education
- Support existing industries such as agriculture, energy, and construction
The wider world exists online in the modern day, but with satellite and 4G internet costs being so high, there are entire communities across this country that aren’t being granted access to the global conversation. We want to give more of Tribal America the chance to participate, grow, and regain autonomy with our Affordable Connectivity Program.
Of course, we’re also working to connect the entirety of rural America, so for more information on how to get internet in rural areas, check out our website today!
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