Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission closed its 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window, the agency’s first filing window designed to help rural Tribes secure spectrum needed to provide broadband for their communities.

Today, Public Knowledge joined nearly 50 public interest groups, tribal advocacy organizations, trade associations, and churches in a letter urging the Federal Communications Commission to extend the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window. The “Tribal Priority Window” allows tribes to apply to receive free spectrum licenses on the 2.5 GHz band — crucial for expanding 5G to Tribal lands. The groups urge the agency to extend the deadline to February 3, 2021 due to the significant impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on American Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian communities, and Alaska Native villages across the nation.

Yesterday, Public Knowledge joined the National Congress of American Indians, AMERIND Risk, and the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association in filing an Emergency Motion for Stay of the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window with the Federal Communications Commission. The “Tribal Priority Window” allows tribes to apply to receive free spectrum licenses on the 2.5 GHz band — crucial for expanding 5G to Tribal lands. The groups urge the agency to extend the deadline to February 3, 2021.

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Moving Forward Act.

Today, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, introduced the “Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act” to invest $100 billion to close the digital divide.

Today, House Democrats announced “The Moving Forward Act,” a massive infrastructure bill funding broadband deployment as well as the building of roads, bridges, housing, rail, and clean energy services.

Public Knowledge Senior Advisor Gene Kimmelman will testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation today at 10:00 a.m. His testimony in the hearing on “The State of Broadband Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic” will urge Congress to pass a comprehensive legislative package to ensure that broadband is affordable, reliable, and available universally both during and after the pandemic.

Today, House Democrats introduced the “Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act” that, among other provisions, helps Americans access broadband — or stay connected — during the pandemic. Public Knowledge commends House Democrats and Sen. Merkley for championing broadband access for everyone during a time when no American can afford to be left behind.

Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, introduced the “National Broadband Plan for the Future Act.” The bill would instruct the Federal Communications Commission to update the National Broadband Plan, as well as study how the coronavirus pandemic has changed the way Americans connect and engage online.

Today, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), along with Representatives Jim Clyburn (D-SC), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), announced support for a broadband program to help close the digital divide. The proposal follows yesterday’s letter from Public Knowledge and 217 other public interest and industry groups urging Congress to include affordable broadband in future coronavirus stimulus packages. Public Knowledge commends Congressional Democrats for championing affordable broadband access during a time when it’s needed most in every community.