NPM Policy Positions NPM Policy Positions and Research and Research

by Loris Taylor

33 Native Public Radio 33 Native Public Radio StationsStations

South DakotaWashingtonWisconsinWyoming

MontanaNew MexicoNorth Dakota Oregon

AlaskaArizonaCaliforniaColorado

Media Ownership for Media Ownership for 563 Native Nations563 Native Nations

MPR Photo/Tom Robertson

2007 NCE window

37 Tribes

51 new license applications

35 new construction permits

Native Public MediaInitial Results of Blueprint Project IT Infrastructure Survey

Policy Positions

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What is the Blueprint Survey and What is the Blueprint Survey and Why is it Important? Why is it Important?

The first comprehensive assessment of media and internet technology in Indian Country.

Provides much needed data.Provides a “snapshot” of what

services exist in Indian Country.Demonstrates need.

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Participant DemographicsParticipant Demographics

RespondentsFrom 58 Tribes living in 22 states. Completed 86 surveys to-date.Young adult to elderly.Spanned a variety of educational

backgrounds.Ranged from retired, to part-time to

full-time. Most were employed full time.

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Where do you use your computer?Where do you use your computer?

Did you use the internet Did you use the internet yesterday?yesterday?

How long have you used the How long have you used the internet?internet?

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About how often do you use the About how often do you use the internet or email?internet or email?

What gadgets are you using?What gadgets are you using?

How does the computer you use at How does the computer you use at home connect to the Internet?home connect to the Internet?

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Who are the Internet Service Who are the Internet Service Providers in your community?Providers in your community?

What to you pay for Internet What to you pay for Internet access at home?access at home?

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Examples of Internet UseExamples of Internet Use

Maps/ driving directions Buy a Product Financial InfoSurfNewsWeatherPolicy researchIMJob Search

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Summary of Blueprint SurveySummary of Blueprint Survey

Preliminary Findings:Survey is most comprehensive assessment of

Indian Country.Further research is needed.Tribal members on Tribal land are charged

more for their Internet Services than the national average.

Tribal members are “digital Natives” but that doesn’t mean that broadband access is widely available on Tribal lands. 

Tribal members are extremely tech savvy, utilizing technology at higher rates than national norms.

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NPM Policy Positions: Broadband NPM Policy Positions: Broadband

NPM Supports Ubiquitous open broadband for

everyone;Net Neutrality policies that favor the

pubic interest;An 80%increase in broadband

penetration on Native American homelands within five years;

Affordable Internet access.

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NPM Policy Positions: Broadband NPM Policy Positions: Broadband

NPM SupportsA thorough analysis of affordability

for Tribal residents.Federal investments in community-

based broadband. Tribal-based ownership of

broadband infrastructure and services.

Enhanced data collection procedures regarding the state of broadband deployment in Indian Country.

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NPM Policy Positions: BroadbandNPM Policy Positions: Broadband

NPM Supports Broadband service provided by

Tribal companies or through public-private partnerships emphasizing local control.

A thorough review of commercial and government spectrum holdings to identify bands that could be opened for use specifically on Tribal lands.

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NPM Policy Positions: BroadbandNPM Policy Positions: Broadband

NPM Supports Exploring opportunities involving

dark fiber on Tribal lands. The use of white spaces spectrum

for FM noncommercial radio stations serving Tribal communities and new devices.

Consultation with tribal governments to ensure that Native America has a “seat at the table” in the FCC spectrum allocation process.

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Native Public Media www.nativepublicmedia.org

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