12/19/2025
We still have room for ~200 people to get this internet subsidy. Check out the details and apply now: https://www.spokanetribe.com/trust/
The T.R.U.S.T Program
Wellpinit, Wash. - In early 2023, the Sp’q’n’i? Broadband Services (SBS) applied for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round Grant.
Leslie Hardwick (who worked with SBS at the time), Claire Ward (Who worked with NoaNet), Brodie Ford, SBS Network Engineer and Markalene Madera, SBS Customer Support Representative all worked together on all required documentation for the grant.
“The process was very intense for this grant,” Ford said. “There were a lot of documents that needed to be completed. Furthermore, there were a lot of guidelines and restrictions we had to follow to qualify for the grant.”
It took SBS about a year in total to fully complete and cure the award.
This grant will be used for two projects: The Tribal Resources for Universal Service & Technology (T.R.U.S.T) Program and the Digital Tribal Liaison.
“To explain, each household can apply for a subsidy to help pay for the cost of their internet,” Ford said. “They don’t have to be an SBS customer to qualify. It will cover other providers such as Starlink and Hughesnet, for example.”
“The second project we established was the Digital Tribal Liaison,” Ford said. “This is a contracted position dedicated to assisting reservation residents with their technological needs. Georgia Davenport is currently serving in this role.”
All qualified reservation residents can benefit from the T.R.U.S.T Program.
“Any and all reservation residents can benefit from the resources provided by Georgia Davenport,” Ford said.
There are specific groups most impacted by limited internet access on the reservation.
“On the Spokane Indian Reservation, there are specific groups impacted by limited internet access,” Davenport said. “The limited access is caused by lack of internet service options and cost of internet service options. However, the SBS program is working on the fiber to the home project, which will increase access to fast, reliable and affordable internet.”
When asked why it’s important to improve internet access for the community right now, SBS talked about endless opportunities.
“Improved internet access is important for the community right now because of the endless opportunities available online,” SBS said. “Distance learning, telemedicine and working from home are critical subjects that our reservation residents need internet access for.”
As for the Fiber network being installed throughout the Wellpinit community, general information has been shared.
“The network will be maintained and monitored by the Spokane Tribe of Indians along with NoaNet,” SBS said. “Weather dependent, the project should be fully completed by October of 2027.”
One question came up about the biggest challenge(s) with the current connectivity, SBS focused on lack of availability, reliability and affordability.
“The biggest challenges with the current connectivity are lack of availability due to lack of service provider interest,” SBS said. “Lack of reliability due to wireless internet service connections and lack of affordability due to marked up prices.”
Additional information from Georgia Davenport is below:
The TRUST subsidy is available to anyone living on Spokane Tribal lands and provides up to $70 per month per household toward internet services. This is a four-year grant, and you do not have to be a Sp’q’n’i? Broadband Services (SBS) customer to qualify.
You may qualify if anyone in your household meets at least one of the following criteria:
● Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
● SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipient
● Medicaid
● SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
● Veterans Pension/Survivors Benefits
● Federal Public Housing Assistance
● Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
● Tribal TANF
● Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
● Tribal Head Start (income-based)
● Federal Pell Grant (current award year)
● Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program
We only have enough funds for roughly 240 customers, so please apply!
If you are interested in applying for the subsidy, you can apply online:www.spokanetribe.com/trust or contact Georgia Davenport, Sp‘q’n’i? Broadband’s Digital Navigator.
○ Email: [email protected]
○ Call/Text: 970-799-3353
“Affordable internet is essential for learning, staying connected, and opening doors to new opportunities, whether that’s taking online classes, video-chatting with family, or turning a hobby into an online business,” Davenport said. “I’m thrilled to help launch the TRUST program and to serve as Sp’q’n’i? Broadband’s Digital Navigator, offering computer classes and one-on-one support to help community members navigate the online world safely, confidently, and effectively.”
Photo below is Georgia Davenport, Digital Tribal Liaison and the T.R.U.S.T Program application.
By/CCFlett
