For Remote Tribes, Free Airwaves Licenses Mean Chance to Connect

Most people on rural tribal lands have no internet, but an unprecedented U.S. government effort to offer American Indians free licenses to a highly prized part of the airwaves may help change that.

Federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages will be eligible to apply to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission for free spectrum licenses during a six-month period starting Feb. 3. Only tribal communities not located near an urbanized area with more than 50,000 people can apply.

The effort is aimed at bringing internet connections to rural tribal lands—among the least connected parts of the country. Only ...