On January 21, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopting the final rule for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program.
Indian Country
Can you believe we are halfway through the inaugural cohort of the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA)? We’ve had the honor of having very talented guest speakers during our meetings. We are so appreciative of all our guest speakers for modules two through five. These experts in their respective fields imparted their knowledge, shared their insights, and gave their time to the ILA. You can read more about each of our talented guest speakers below.
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) will use a $10 million grant to support a national digital equity program, with a focus on rural and Tribal communities.
At long last, Tribal libraries fully qualify for E-Rate broadband internet subsidies.
Tribal libraries are often located in remote areas and can serve as community institutions expanding broadband access. Only about 21 percent of people on Tribal lands have broadband access.
The Indigenous Leadership Academy is currently ongoing. Stay tuned to see updates about the program!
As we dig into this new year, I see the seeds of opportunity bearing fruit. Just over a year ago, we had the opportunity to envision a leadership program for Indigenous people in Arizona.
The Indigenous Leadership Academy is thrilled to announce the co-facilitators for modules two through nine, Kris Beecher and Jolyana Begay-Kroupa. Kris is an attorney at the leading global law firm Dickinson Wright. Jolyana is currently Interim CEO of the Phoenix Indian Center. Both are heavily involved in the Phoenix American Indian community and are excited to be co-facilitating the Indigenous Leadership Academy. You can read more about the co-facilitators below.
The Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is delighted to announce the facilitator and guest speaker for the first class. Dr. Angela Gonzales, who is a Thought Leaders Fellow at the American Indian Policy Institute, will be the facilitator. Monica Nuvamsa will be the first guest speaker for ILA. You can read more about the facilitator and guest speaker below.
This update summarizes the very busy last two months of the year. November and December saw AIPI participating in multiple events with our expertise in broadband and digital equity with EJ a panelist at the 39th Annual Institute on Telecommunications Policy and Regulation and H a panelist at the NASIG Virtual 2021 Conference. Dr.
Program Overview
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) is now the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP replaced the EBB on December 31, 2021. An additional $14.2 billion was appropriated to the ACP to continue offering broadband service discounts and device reimbursements for qualifying households. The main changes to the program are: