Mid-Band Spectrum Licenses Granted to Facilitate Providing Advanced Wireless Communications Like 5G to 21 Native Communities.
The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau granted this week an additional 21 spectrum licenses in the 2.5 GHz band to help connect rural Tribal communities across the country including the Native Village of Tununak.
These communities are among the least connected in America and the FCC under Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is committed to bridging this divide.
Other communities are the Native Villages of: Gulkana, Mentasta, Ambler, Cantwell, Gakona, Kiana, Kivalina, Kluti Kaah, and Kobuk.
“Tribal communities should have the same access to the opportunities of the digital age as other Americans,” said Rosenworcel. “Tribal communities in New Mexico and Arizona are already using this part of our wireless spectrum to provide the only reliable high-speed wireless signal available in their communities. This is an incredible model—Tribal communities across the country should have the opportunity to borrow and build on it. Today we make that possible for more communities across the country.”
To date, the agency has granted 205 licenses in the 2.5 GHz band to help address rural Tribal connectivity needs. These licenses provide for exclusive use of up to 117.5 megahertz of 2.5 GHz band spectrum that Tribes can use to connect their rural communities to wireless broadband and other advanced services. FCC staff continues to review and process additional applications filed in the Rural Tribal Priority Window.
