In many corners of the world, the internet has become as common as electricity. Yet, for Indigenous communities in the United States, this is far from the reality.
Research from the Rutgers Policy Lab and the Federal Communication Commission’s data reveal that, in areas like Apache County, AZ, and San Juan County, UT, broadband access is alarmingly limited, with only 67% of tribal lands having access to speeds deemed acceptable by the FCC.
This discrepancy isn’t just a matter of numbers; it’s a reflection of the broader systemic challenges these communities face, from geographical isolation to infrastructural neglect.
In this blog, we will not only delve into the significant impacts of this digital divide on the education and economic well-being of Indigenous communities, but also highlight various initiatives and programs designed to provide affordable and effective internet solutions for this population.
Our goal is to shed light on both the challenges and the emerging opportunities to ensure that our Indigenous neighbors have every chance possible to succeed in the digital age.
Table of Contents
- How Lack of Internet Impacts the Education and Economic Well-Being of Indigenous Communities
- Navigating the Different Ways to Access Cheap Internet for Indigenous Communities
- Key Government Initiatives Impacting Internet Access for Indigenous People
How Lack of Internet Impacts the Education and Economic Well-Being of Indigenous Communities
The digital divide is more than a technological gap; it’s a matter of justice, equity, and opportunity, especially for Indigenous communities.
Historical traumas, such as forced attendance at boarding schools, have left lasting impacts on many Native Americans, leading to trust issues, depression, and anxiety. These factors have been shown to impact the academic performance of Indigenous students, who score an average of 15 points lower than their non-Indigenous peers in school on standardized math and reading tests.
The absence of reliable internet access compounds these challenges. Indigenous students, without consistent online access, miss crucial learning opportunities, resources, and interactions with educators and peers, placing them at a disadvantage in our digital age and contributing to negative impacts on their mental and emotional health.
The modern job market, with its increasing emphasis on remote work, demands stable internet connections. For Indigenous individuals, this lack of access restricts their employment prospects, affecting not only personal livelihoods but also community economic growth. Indigenous entrepreneurs, without consistent digital access, also find it challenging to reach broader markets or utilize online platforms effectively. Additionally, only 70% of Native Americans complete high school, putting them at an even greater disadvantage in the demanding job market. Without adequate internet access, many individuals in this demographic can’t even go back to school and get a GED or explore all work opportunities.
Human-I-T is acutely aware of these challenges and is dedicated to ensuring Indigenous communities are not sidelined in the digital era. Below, we take a look at plans designed to address the unique challenges faced by indigenous peoples, ensuring that the digital realm is accessible to all.
Navigating the Different Ways to Access Cheap Internet for Indigenous Communities
The right internet plan can be the bridge to countless opportunities. For Indigenous communities, this bridge is often riddled with gaps. Here, we take a look at plans designed to address the unique challenges faced by indigenous peoples, ensuring that the digital realm is accessible to all.
Optimum Indigenous Discounts
Pros: Offers in areas that traditionally lack coverage, ensuring remote Indigenous territories aren’t left out.
Xfinity Community Special Offers
Pros: Provides additional resources for digital literacy, aiding communities unfamiliar with internet usage.
Verizon Indigenous Community Discounts
Pros: Verizon’s initiatives aim to boost signal strength in remote Indigenous areas, ensuring consistent connectivity.
Lifeline Program for Indigenous Communities
Pros: Subsidized rates specifically for Indigenous households and emphasis on easy application processes tailored for Indigenous communities.
With tailored plans and dedicated support, a fully connected Indigenous community is within reach. While these plans are helpful, they may not offer what is needed for this demographic to unlock their full potential online.
Key Government Initiatives Impacting Internet Access for Indigenous People
For Indigenous communities, access to affordable and reliable internet is a necessity for education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and cultural preservation. Recognizing this critical need, several government initiatives have been established to bridge the digital divide in Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian lands.
The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), stands as a major initiative aimed at expanding broadband access and adoption on Tribal lands. With approximately $980 million available, this program funds the deployment of internet infrastructure, affordability programs, telehealth, and distance learning initiatives. It addresses the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities, including geographical isolation and historical underinvestment in broadband infrastructure, by focusing on both expanding physical infrastructure and promoting digital literacy and adoption.
The Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program, while not exclusively for Indigenous communities, includes Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) as eligible recipients, directly benefiting Native American students and their surrounding communities. This program addresses the lack of internet access, connectivity, and digital equity at TCUs by providing funding for broadband internet access, equipment, and IT personnel. By supporting TCUs, it helps cultivate digital skills and opportunities within Indigenous educational institutions, fostering long-term digital empowerment and aiming to facilitate educational instruction, remote learning, and economic development in anchor communities.
These government programs represent significant steps towards digital inclusion for Indigenous communities, offering pathways to overcome historical barriers and unlock new opportunities in the increasingly connected world.
Human-I-T’s Offer for Internet Plans for Indigenous Households
Human-I-T is committed to empowering Indigenous families with low-cost internet that they need to thrive. Our dedicated team of digital navigators offers personalized assistance tailored to the unique needs of Indigenous communities.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in accessing digital resources, Human-I-T provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process of getting connected. Our experts guide you through every step, from exploring available programs to setting up your internet and devices.
How Indigenous Households Can Get Cheap Internet through Human-I-T:
- Create an account with Human-I-T and apply for our “Gold Membership” program
- Provide accepted documentation and a valid photo ID to our team for income verification
- Within five business days, our team will review your application and reach out personally if you qualify
Upon approval for a Human-I-T Gold Membership, you’ll gain access to a range of benefits designed to bridge the digital divide:
- Highly discounted internet for indigenous households
- Steep discounts on refurbished laptops, tablets, and desktop computers
- Free digital literacy training courses
- Ongoing technical support in both English and Spanish
Our digital navigators work one-on-one with Indigenous community members to determine the best internet and device options for their specific needs. We understand that each community and individual may have different requirements, and we’re here to provide customized solutions.
The digital divide remains a significant challenge for many Indigenous communities, but Human-I-T is dedicated to changing this narrative. By combining affordable technology access with personalized support and education, we’re working to ensure that Indigenous peoples have the tools and knowledge needed to fully participate in the digital world. If you or someone you know in an Indigenous community could benefit from low-cost internet and technology, don’t miss this opportunity. Reach out to Human-I-T today, fill out our form, and connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you through the process of accessing these vital digital resources. Together, we can bridge the digital divide and unlock new opportunities for Indigenous communities across the nation.
