The FCC has now allotted a window of time for federally recognized tribes to apply for licenses that could help boost Internet service throughout Indian Country. According to the notice, the 182-day window will open on February 3, 2020, and will close on August 3, 2020.
The FCC states: "This window is a unique opportunity for Tribes in rural areas to directly access unassigned spectrum over their Tribal lands, subject to buildout requirements. The 2.5 GHz band is suitable for both mobile coverage and fixed point-to-point uses, and is currently used to provide broadband service by legacy educational licensees and commercial providers that lease the spectrum. Depending on your needs, it can play an important role in the deployment of broadband and other advanced communications services on your Tribal lands. Please find more detailed information below, including how to determine whether 2.5 GHz spectrum is available over your Tribal lands."
The FCC defines rural tribal lands as outside urbanized areas and with a population of less than 50,000 people.
Source | For more information, check out the full FCC public notice.
