UPDATE This July, the FCC voted to modernize the framework for the 2.5 GHz band to make this mid-band spectrum available for advanced wireless services, including 5G. The band was formerly designated for the Educational Broadband Service.
At the time, the agency pledged to establish a Rural Tribal Priority Window to provide federally recognized tribes a chance to apply for unassigned 2.5 GHz spectrum.
The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau said Tuesday the special filing window will open on Monday, February 3, 2020, and close on Monday, August 3, 2020.
The Commission established this 182-day window to give eligible tribes the chance to assess their needs, determine if spectrum is available in their communities, and prepare to file their applications. The window is coupled with six months of outreach and education that will have preceded the opening.
The agency established a dedicated website that provides access to information regarding the window, including the location and dates of outreach and education opportunities. It’s also created a dedicated mapping tool to help tribes assess their eligibility, and the amount of unassigned 2.5 GHz spectrum over their rural tribal lands.
The Commission plans to host a workshop at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., on January 14, 2020. Further information on the rural tribal window, including the specifics about the application filing process, and the upcoming workshop, will be announced and posted to the Rural Tribal Window website on or before January 6, 2020.
December 4, 2019
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