Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509
will.wiquist@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC BOOSTS WIRELESS BROADBAND FOR RURAL KENTUCKY WITH TEMPORARY SPECTRUM ACCESS FOR HARLAN COUNTY
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WASHINGTON, June 2, 2020—The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau has granted a request for temporary access to spectrum to improve access to wireless broadband services in Harlan County, Kentucky during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Special Temporary Authority granted today gives Harlan 2-Way, Inc. access to spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band for 60 days.

“We see the digital divide acutely in rural, low-income communities like Harlan County, and the Commission’s top priority is to do everything it can to help consumers in those communities access broadband services they need for work, education, health, and social interactions,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.  “During this pandemic, broadband connectivity has become even more important as so many stay at and work from home.  I’m glad we could provide temporary access to this spectrum for the benefit of people in southeastern Kentucky.”

Many families in Harlan, Kentucky remain without connectivity options.  This STA will facilitate the deployment of fixed broadband to enable them to access the Internet.  

This is the latest action taken by the Commission to address Americans’ connectivity challenges during the on-going pandemic.  More information on FCC actions and the Keep Americans Connected pledge are available at: https://www.fcc.gov/keep-americans-connected. 

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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).