Description
The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and The Office of Native Affairs and Policy at the Federal Communication Department (FCC) released a Public Notice seeking public comment on ways in which the Commission can improve its understanding of how and the extent to which Tribal Nations and the Native Hawaiian Community are able to access wireless spectrum. The Commission in 2019 created the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window (Tribal Window) for eligible Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian Community to gain licensed access to prime mid-band spectrum to deploy broadband and other next-generation wireless services to address the digital divide on rural Tribal lands. To date, 336 licenses covering the rural Tribal lands of more than 350 Tribal Nations based in 30 states have been granted through applications received during the Tribal Window. This information will be used as the Commission develops and implements new and existing policy initiatives designed to increase broadband connectivity in Tribal communities. Public Comments are due on November 30th, 2023.