On Monday December 2, 2019, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (“WTB”) announced in a Public Notice that the Rural Tribal Priority Window (“the Window”) for the 2.5 GHz band will open on Monday, February 3, 2020 and close on Monday, August 3, 2020, as referenced in the Transforming the 2.5 GHz Band Report and Order (WT Docket No. 18-120). The Rural Tribal Priority Window will allow federally recognized Tribal entities to apply for unassigned 2.5 GHz spectrum in what was formerly designated as the Educational Broadband Service (“EBS”).
The 182-day window, along with the preceding six months of outreach and education, will allow eligible Tribes to assess their needs, determine if spectrum is available in their communities, and prepare to file their applications. The Commission has established a website dedicated to the Window with access and information, along with a mapping tool to assist Tribes in assessing their eligibility and unassigned 2.5 GHz spectrum over rural Tribal lands.
Additionally, the Commission will host a workshop on January 14, 2020 as part of its outreach efforts. The Commission will release information about the application filing process and upcoming workshop on the Window website on or before January 6, 2020.
On Tuesday, December 18, 2019, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau released a Public Notice announcing the agenda for the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Window Workshop on January 14, 2020 from 9:30 to 4:00. As a reminder, the Window will provide federally recognized Tribal entities with an opportunity to apply for unassigned 2.5 GHz spectrum, and will open from Monday, February 3, 2020 to Monday, August 3, 2020.
During the workshop, FCC staff will provide information to attendees on 2.5 GHz spectrum, the Commission’s mapping tool, and the Rural Tribal Priority Window dates and application filing process. The workshop is open to the public and will be streamed via webcast at www.fcc.gov/live – preregistration is encouraged.
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