Last week, new legislation was introduced to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to extend the Rural Tribal Priority Window for 2.5 GHz spectrum by at least 180 days. This new bipartisan, bicameral legislation is called the Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2020. The bill would require the FCC to open a window no later than 30 days after the bill is enacted.
As we have detailed several times this year, rural tribal nations experience some of the worst connectivity in the country. Last year, the FCC created the Rural Tribal Priority Window to allow rural tribal nations an opportunity to acquire 2.5 GHz spectrum. This resource is extremely valuable because it offers an ideal mix of coverage and capacity for wireless networks. As a result, broadband can be deployed at a much lower cost than other types of technology like fiber or cable but still offer adequate speeds. That is why it is so desirable in rural areas, where there is still a great need, but the economics of buildout prove too difficult for the commercial sector.
According to a recent press release, the legislation has several supporters in Congress, including:
- Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)
- Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)
- Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.)
- Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.)
- Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai)
- Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.)
- Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai)
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)
- Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.)
- Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.)
- Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.)
- Sen. Angus King (I-Maine)
- Rep. Deb Haaland (D-N.M.)
- Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.)
- Rep. Kendra Horn (D-Okla.)
- Rep. Don Young (R-Ala.)
- Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.)
- Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.)
This legislation is also supported by several organizations, including:
- National Consumer Law Center
- New America’s Open Technology Institute
- Public Knowledge
- Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB)
- National Hispanic Media Coalition
- Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe
- Access Now
- National Indian Education Association (NIEA)
- Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA)
- Center for Rural Strategies
- USET Sovereignty Protection Fund
- National Congress of American Indians
- Pueblo of Jemez
- AMERIND Critical Infrastructure
Voqal continues to be an advocate for extending the Rural Tribal Priority Window and strongly supports this legislation. If you or your organization supports extending the Rural Tribal Priority Window to help expand internet access in rural areas, please contact your representatives and let them know.