05.22.20

Cantwell, Heinrich, Senate Dems Urge FCC To Ensure Rural Tribal Communities Have Equal Internet Access

1.5 million people living in Indian Country throughout the US lack access to broadband networks essential during COVID-19 crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, joined Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and 16 Senate Democrats in sending a letter calling on the FCC to give Tribal governments additional time to apply for spectrum for mobile coverage and broadband services, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In their letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the senators urged the FCC to extend the 2.5 GHZ Rural Tribal Priority Window by 180 days to ensure that rural Tribal communities have adequate time and equitable opportunity to apply for spectrum licenses.

Tribes have historically lacked access to spectrum to deploy broadband networks on Tribal lands. As healthcare, public safety, and educational services have moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this has meant that 1.5 million people living in Indian Country throughout the United States have been left without basic access to these essential services.

While communities across the nation continue to grapple with public health response and connectivity issues, the lawmakers urged the FCC to understand that “these same challenges are also impacting the ability of Tribal governments to participate in FCC proceedings. Additionally, rural tribal communities represent some of the least connected people in America. The lawmakers continued, “As you know, this spectrum can deliver significant benefits to rural tribal communities. Tribal governments should not be precluded from having an opportunity to apply for spectrum as a result of this public health emergency.”

In addition to Senators Cantwell and Heinrich, the letter was also signed by Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Angus King (I-ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Edward Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below.

Dear Chairman Pai:

In light of the continuing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and to ensure Indian tribes in rural areas enjoy the same access to the Internet as the rest of the United States, we respectfully request that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) extend the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window opened on February 3, 2020, by 180 days.

As you know, on July 10, 2019, the FCC adopted new rules to bring 2.5 GHz spectrum to auction. The agency established a “priority window” to serve rural tribal lands. In addition, the FCC committed to keeping that window open for 180 days to give tribes time to apply.

As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. continues to rise and more and more Americans are told to stay home, the true extent of the crisis is becoming more apparent daily. For most Americans, the immediate focus is on the health and safety of our families, our neighbors, and the nation as a whole. To that end, we are pleased to see that the FCC has extended the time for the public to prepare for and participate in some of its upcoming auctions, such as the 3.5 GHz band and the FM broadcast service. This will help ensure that the public has adequate time to participate as we get through this crisis.

These same challenges are also impacting the ability of Tribal governments to participate in FCC proceedings. Additionally, rural tribal communities represent some of the least connected people in America. For example, according to the FCC's most recent Broadband Progress Report, more than 60 percent of residents on New Mexico's tribal lands lack access to high-speed broadband. Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the broadband data collected by the FCC overstates service in tribal communities, meaning the number of residents without access is higher than what was reported by the FCC. All of this underscores the need for more comprehensive assistance and engagement on tribal lands.

As you know, this spectrum can deliver significant benefits to rural tribal communities. Tribal governments should not be precluded from having an opportunity to apply for spectrum as a result of this public health emergency. An extension of the 2.5 GHz priority window will help ensure that tribes have adequate time to make the most of this first-of-its-kind opportunity. Accordingly, we urge the FCC to extend the Rural Tribal Priority Window by 180 days and commit to ensuring every rural tribal community has an equitable opportunity to receive spectrum licenses.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.

Sincerely,

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