Tribes Get 30 More Days to Seek Licenses for Broadband Airwaves

The Federal Communications Commission on Friday extended by 30 days a deadline for American Indian tribes to apply for free licenses to use broadband-friendly airwaves.

The extension gives tribes until Sept. 2 to complete their applications for 2.5 GHz band airwaves. Tribes sought an extension, citing the coronavirus pandemic and their unfamiliarity with the agency’s process.

MuralNet, a nonprofit that assists tribes in building broadband networks, told the FCC earlier this month that about 80% of eligible tribes won’t be able to complete their applications by the Aug. 3 deadline.

The National Congress of American Indians wanted a ...