The FCC approved more than 20 additional applications for licenses to use the 2.5 GHz band to provide broadband and other advanced wireless services to rural tribal communities. These spectrum licenses, which were granted to tribes through the agency’s first Rural Tribal Priority Window, provide for exclusive use of up to 117.5 MHz of 2.5 GHz band spectrum to connect tribal communities.
“We continue to make significant progress in putting this prime mid-band spectrum into the hands of tribes so they can connect their communities to business, health care, and educational resources online,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “Far too many tribal communities are on the wrong side of the digital divide, and this Rural Tribal Priority Window is making a real difference in helping to bring digital opportunity to these communities. This is one of the initiatives of which I’m most proud during my time at the Commission.”
The Rural Tribal Priority Window was open for applications from February 3 to September 2, 2020. To date, the agency has granted 179 2.5 GHz licenses to tribes. FCC staff continues to review and process applications filed in the priority window.
A total of 22 additional applications were granted. Here are the awardees by name and by state.
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