H.R. 6067: Tribal Internet Expansion Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Tribal Internet Expansion Act of 2025, aims to modify the Communications Act of 1934. Specifically, it seeks to enhance access to telecommunications and information services in Indian country and areas with high populations of Indian people.

Key Provisions

• Universal Service Principle: The bill proposes to expand the universal service principle, which is designed to ensure that all Americans have access to telecommunications services, by including Indian country and areas with significant Indian populations. This means these regions will be recognized when considering access to communication services.
• Definitions: The legislation defines Indian country according to existing laws. Indian country refers to specific lands held in trust for Native American tribes and areas where Native Americans reside, which would now be prioritized for expanded telecommunications access.
• Focus on Rural and High-Cost Areas: By adding these areas to the universal service principle, the bill aims to address and improve the disparities in access to internet and telecommunications faced by Native American communities, particularly those situated in rural or geographically isolated locations.

Impact Considerations

The bill is intended to facilitate better connectivity for indigenous populations, which could help support various initiatives such as education, health care, and economic development in those communities.

Relevant Companies

• VZ (Verizon Communications Inc.): As a major telecommunications provider, Verizon might be involved in expanding infrastructure in rural and tribal areas.
• T (AT&T Inc.): Similar to Verizon, AT&T could be affected as it may need to adapt its services and offerings to comply with the expanded definition of universal service and possibly increase its presence in Indian country.
• CMCSA (Comcast Corporation): Comcast, as a media and communications service provider, may also see implications as it considers service expansion into areas that were not previously prioritized.