The FCC must extend a broadband opportunity for tribal communities

Native American communities should have the same access to the opportunities of the digital age as other Americans. Yet, internet access in Indian Country remains stubbornly and persistently low. Addressing this problem requires smart policy and a scarce resource regulated by the Federal Communications Commission known as wireless spectrum. For the first time, tribal communities have an opportunity to obtain wireless spectrum to expand broadband access on their lands—but the challenges of COVID-19 threaten to diminish its potential. The FCC can and should fix that.

The FCC established a “priority window” for all federally-recognized tribes, Alaska Native villages on rural tribal lands, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to apply for wireless spectrum licenses in the 2.5 GHz band to boost internet service in their communities. The FCC committed to keeping this application window open for 180 days before auctioning unclaimed airwaves for commercial use. Unfortunately, not long after the application window opened, the COVID-19 pandemic forced tribal communities to focus on more immediate priorities: the health of neighbors and families. The FCC’s priority window can deliver major benefits to rural tribal communities that have been left behind for too long. That’s why 16 advocacy groups and indigenous organizations—and 18 US senators—asked the FCC to extend the application window deadline, which is set to close on Aug. 3. Despite that request, the agency is threatening to backtrack on its commitment to tribes by not extending the deadline.