Tribal Nation News

How to Subscribe

If you wish to subscribe to the Tribal Nation Newsletters list, email TribalLiaison@usac.org.

Published Editions

USAC issues Tribal Nation Newsletters for major program announcements and key updates.  Below is an archived list of Tribal Nation Newsletters organized by program.

One USAC

8/31/2023
  • FCC Adopts Order Providing Tribal Libraries Greater Access to E-Rate Program Funding
  • Apply for Tribal Library Pilot Program for Funding Year 2024
  • New High Cost Tool for Tribal Government Officials
7/31/2023
  • Tribal Library Report and Order Adopted by FCC
  • Form 481 and Broadband Deployment Data Available to Tribal Officials
  • USAC Relationship with Program Consultants
6/31/2023
  • FCC Order DA 23-571
  • Filing FY 2023 FCC Form 486
  • Tribal Entity Access to the National Verifier
5/31/2023
  • Overview of the PIA Review Process
  • Submit Your Post-Commitment Change Request in RHC Connect
  • Lifeline and ACP Recertification Notice
4/28/2023
  • E-Rate Systems Consolidation
  • Adjusted Lifeline and ACP Income Qualifications for 2023
3/31/2023
  • UEI Requirement Coming Soon for E-Rate
  • Deadline Extended for RHC Application
  • ACP Program Updates
2/28/2023
  • Tribal E-Rate Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
  • New National Verifier Connection with Arizona
  • First Quarter (Q1) 2023 Tribal Training with Lifeline
1/27/2023
  • Introducing USAC’s New Tribal Liaison
  • New Approach to Dear Tribal Leader Letters
  • New Monthly Tribal Teleconferences
11/25/2020
  • The First Dear Tribal Leader Letter
  • Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month
  • USAC has launched a specific Tribal Nations webpage

Universal Service Fund Programs

Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Program

2022

1/27/2022 3/11/2022
  • FCC Makes It Easier for Tribal Libraries to Get E-Rate Support
  • New Tribal Library Order
  • Get Started: Create New Profiles for New Users and Entities
  • FCC WCB Extends the E-Rate Application Deadline for New Tribal Library Applicants
  • Clarifying Tribal Library Eligibility
  • Tribal Frequently Asked Questions

Lifeline Program

2022

2/18/2022 3/9/2022 5/2/2022 5/25/2022
  • Lifeline Program’s
    2022 Tribal Training and Open Forum
  • Agenda for Lifeline’s Q1 Tribal Training
    and Open Forum
  • 2022 Lifeline Program’s Tribal Feedback Initiative
  • Suggested Questions to Start the Conversation
  • Lifeline Program’s 2022 Q2 Tribal Training
  • Educational Resources for Tribal Consumers

2021

5/6/2021 8/5/2021 10/14/2021 12/3/2021
  • Lifeline’s Q2 Tribal webinar
  • Lifeline’s Q3 Tribal Webinar
  • Tribal Users Gain Access to National Verifier
  • Instructions for Requesting Access
  • Shinnecock Indian Reservation Qualifies for
    Lifeline Tribal Lands Benefit
1/21/2021 2/4/2021 2/23/2021 3/3/2021
  • Lifeline Introduces Quarterly Webinars
    for Tribal Partners
  • Lifeline’s Q1 Tribal Webinar
  • Pamunkey Indian Reservation
    Qualifies for Lifeline Tribal Lands Benefit
  • Follow Up to Lifeline Quarterly Tribal webinar

2020

4/23/2020 10/15/2020
  • Dear Tribal Stakeholder Information
  • Lifeline Tribal Stakeholder Teleconference Overview
  • Dear Tribal Stakeholder Information
  • The Federal Lifeline Program’s New Tribal Toolkit

Congressional Response Programs

Affordable Connectivity Program

Important News: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new federal program administered by USAC with oversight from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that helps low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices. This long-term, $14.2 billion program was created by Congress in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and replaced the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program.

2022

5/27/2022
  • ACP Enhanced Tribal Benefit Information and Resources
  • About the ACP
  • ACP Enhanced Tribal Benefit Eligibility and ACP Tribal Lands Definition

2021

4/13/2021 5/12/2021
  • EBB program Enhanced Tribal Benefit Webinar
  • EBB program Launch Information

Emergency Connectivity Fund Program

2021

6/14/2021 7/30/2021 9/30/2021
  • Information Session for
    Tribal Schools and Tribal Libraries
  • Resources for Tribal Applicants
  • FCC FAQS on Tribal-Specific Topics
  • Getting Started Information for Tribal Governments
  • ECP Program Opens
    Second Application Filing Window
  • Status of the First ECF Application Filing Window