The Tribal Internet Expansion Act of 2025 proposes to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to significantly broaden the scope of universal service principles. Specifically, it targets Section 254(b)(3) of the Act, which outlines the principle of ensuring access to telecommunications and information services. The core provision of this bill is to explicitly include Indian country and areas with high populations of Indian people within this universal service framework. By doing so, it aims to ensure that these communities receive the same consideration for access to essential services as currently provided for rural, insular, and high-cost areas, thereby promoting greater digital equity and closing the connectivity gap.
The Tribal Internet Expansion Act of 2025 proposes to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to significantly broaden the scope of universal service principles. Specifically, it targets Section 254(b)(3) of the Act, which outlines the principle of ensuring access to telecommunications and information services. The core provision of this bill is to explicitly include Indian country and areas with high populations of Indian people within this universal service framework. By doing so, it aims to ensure that these communities receive the same consideration for access to essential services as currently provided for rural, insular, and high-cost areas, thereby promoting greater digital equity and closing the connectivity gap.