Media Contact: 
Tina Pelkey, (202) 418-0536
tina.pelkey@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC OPENS PRIORITY WINDOW FOR RURAL TRIBES TO ACCESS CRITICAL MID-BAND SPECTRUM
FCC Takes Groundbreaking Step To Help Bridge the Digital Divide on Tribal Lands

WASHINGTON, February 3, 2020—The Federal Communications Commission announced that the Tribal priority window has officially opened for federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to apply for spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band.  This band—the single largest band of contiguous spectrum below 3 GHz—offers favorable coverage and capacity characteristics for next-generation mobile services, such as 5G.  Last year, the FCC modernized the outdated regulatory framework for this swath of vital mid-band spectrum to make it available for advanced wireless services.  Through the first-of-its-kind priority window, Tribes can obtain 2.5 GHz spectrum for free before any commercial auction.  The Rural Tribal Priority Window opened today, February 3, 2020, and will close on Monday, August 3, 2020.

“My travels throughout Indian Country have shown me that bringing high-speed connectivity to rural Tribal lands can be a game-changer,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.  “That’s why I’m proud to extend this unique opportunity for Tribes in rural areas to access critical mid-band spectrum and provide digital opportunity to those living on Tribal lands.  This is the first time in the FCC’s history that we have ever given Tribal entities a priority window to obtain spectrum licenses for wireless broadband.  I hope that they will take advantage of it.”

As a result of Tribal input, the window will be open for six months, from February 3 to August 3.  Following the Tribal priority window, the remaining unassigned 2.5 GHz spectrum will be made available for commercial use through a spectrum auction.  

The FCC’s Office of Native Affairs and Policy and its Wireless Telecommunications Bureau are working to ensure the Tribes are positioned to take advantage of this opportunity.  This includes a recent workshop on this initiative. 

For more information, visit https://www.fcc.gov/25-ghz-rural-tribal-window.

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Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / TTY: (888) 835-5322 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).