First-Ever Pre-Auction Spectrum Opportunity for Rural Tribes Is Extended for 30 Days Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

The Federal Communications Commission extended the Rural Tribal Priority Window for 2.5 GHz spectrum applications by 30 days in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This window opened on Feb 3, 2020, and to date, over 200 Tribal entities have submitted applications. As a result of July 31’s action, other eligible Tribal entities can continue to apply for licenses for currently unassigned 2.5 GHz spectrum over their rural Tribal lands until 6:00 pm EDT on Sept 2, 2020. This 30-day extension strikes an appropriate balance between providing more time for additional Tribal entities to apply and not unduly delaying the grant of licenses to those that have already applied so that they can quickly put this spectrum to use for rural Americans on Tribal lands who are too often on the wrong side of the digital divide