The Department of the Interior Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs today announced an updated policy to cut red tape and speed up the process for approving tribal broadband infrastructure projects as part of Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum's commitment to streamline support for tribal initiatives, from infrastructure to energy development.
The new policy establishes a comprehensive framework for the efficient and effective processing of right-of-way applications to build broadband infrastructure throughout Indian Country, with a focus on rural unserved and underserved tribal communities.
"This new policy supports the Trump administration's commitment to cutting red tape and upholding tribal sovereignty," said Janel Broderick, principal deputy assistant secretary for Indian Affairs. "Expediting processes and respecting tribal decision-making are key to fulfilling our responsibilities to tribal communities."
Obtaining rights-of-way for broadband networks is necessary for deploying new broadband projects on tribal or individually owned Indian trust or restricted lands. To enhance connectivity, existing infrastructure such as roads are often used to expand access for broadband technology.
Broadband infrastructure is essential to support economic growth, education, healthcare and overall development of tribal communities. Broadband includes various technologies such as fiber optics, transmission lines, wireless, cable, internet, satellite, etc., and is crucial to establishing or enhancing connectivity to tribal communities.
Under the streamlined processes, the Bureau of Indian Affairs has seven business days to review an application and notify the applicant if any additional information is needed. The new policy also provides guidance on waivers of certain regulatory requirements and defers to the judgement of landowners and tribes regarding their best interest.
The new policy is published at: NPM-TRUS-48, Streamlining the Rights-of-Way Application Processes for Broadband Infrastructure Projects Across Indian Trust and Restricted Land.
A series of webinars on this newly released policy will be open to Indian Affairs staff, tribal realty staff, federally recognized tribes, tribal organizations, Alaska Native corporations, federal partners and industry.
The webinars will be held on:
- Session 1 - Friday - September 12, 2025, at 1 p.m. EDT. Click here to register.
- Session 2 - Monday - September 15, 2025, at 1 p.m. EDT. Click here to register.
- Session 3 - Thursday - September 18, 2025, at 2 p.m. EDT. Click here to register.
