EBS In Action

The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau granted twenty additional 2.5 GHz spectrum licenses to serve Alaskan Native communities.  To date, 292 applications received through last year’s FCC Rural Tribal Priority Window have been granted, paving the way for new advanced wireless services – including wireless broadband – for underserved rural Tribal communities.  In Alaska, 99 applications have now been granted.

“Connecting Alaskan Native communities to broadband services is vitally important.  Too many lack the connectivity needed to take advantage of today’s health, education, communications, and business online resources.  Today’s announcement continues our progress in leveraging 2.5 GHz band spectrum to increase Tribal connectivity,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “From the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program’s additional support for Tribal households to our new effort to amend E-Rate rules to support broadband for Tribal libraries, we are using every option available to us to make a difference for Tribal communities.” 

The licenses granted 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.   The FCC’s staff continues to review and process all applications received during the window. More information on application processing and status may be found at www.fcc.gov/ruraltribalwindowupdates.