WASHINGTON, April 8, 2021—The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau today announced that 50 additional applications received in the Rural Tribal Priority Window for 2.5 GHz band spectrum licenses have passed initial review and are accepted for filing. To date, the FCC has granted 216 licenses to enable Tribes to access this prime mid-band spectrum, and staff continues to make progress on reviewing additional applications.
“We are making significant progress in getting spectrum into the hands of Tribal applicants,” said FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Progress on these applications will do more than provide a spectrum license. It will provide Tribes with the ability to offer their communities something that is long overdue—full access to the opportunities of the digital age. With the important work being done at the Commission by our outstanding staff, along with strong support from Congress and collaboration across the Administration to support Tribal connectivity, I am confident we will make headway in connecting these communities.”
Successful Tribal applicants could receive licenses for exclusive use of up to 117.5 megahertz of 2.5 GHz spectrum. These licenses could support broadband and other advanced wireless services, including 5G, that can help address connectivity needs in Tribal communities.
As required by law, the agency puts the applications that have been found to be acceptable for filing out for public comment. Today’s Public Notice does not mean that all applications deemed accepted for filing have met all requirements, nor does it mean that any waiver requested as part of an application will be granted. FCC staff will continue to review and process all applications filed in the priority window. More information on application processing and status may be found at www.fcc.gov/ruraltribalwindowupdates.
