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, in a blow to Tribal communities, the Federal Communications Commission extended the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window (TPW) by just 30 days. This amount of time is not nearly enough to help Tribes that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, have faced enormous obstacles in applying for the available spectrum during the […]

American Indian Tribes, Alaskan Native Villages, and the Hawaiian Homelands have some of the worst access to broadband in the United States. According to the Federal Communications Commission,  36% of housing units on Tribal lands do not have access to broadband; on non-Tribal lands, this number is only 8%. Tribes face hurdles to accessing the […]

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.

Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its Report and Order about the new Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), which provides $20.4 billion to fund broadband deployment in rural areas over 10 years. However, the Order, as written, could actually broaden the digital divide by punishing states that have taken steps to fund broadband […]

Today, the Federal Communications Commission voted to approve a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking public comment on the creation of a “Connected Care Pilot” program that would provide Universal Service Fund support to help health care providers defray the cost of broadband service, allowing low-income and veteran patients to access telehealth services. Public Knowledge applauds the FCC for taking this step to learn more about how to make health care more accessible and affordable for vulnerable communities and areas with shortages of health care providers.

Today, the Federal Communications Commission announced the “Facilitate America’s Superiority in 5G Technology (5G FAST) Plan” to ensure the United States wins the race to 5G wireless connectivity. The plan includes the nation’s largest spectrum auction in December 2019 and the promised future creation of a $20.4 billion rural broadband investment fund, “The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund,” to help close the digital divide.

Today, the Federal Communications Commission voted to approve a Report and Order on “one-touch, make-ready wireline infrastructure.” The Order creates a one-touch, make-ready option for simple make-ready work that allows a single crew hired by the new provider to do all of the make-ready work at one time.

Today, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn announced her resignation after almost a decade of experience serving at the agency. She has staunchly protected consumers, net neutrality, and the economically and socially disenfranchised during her tenure.

Today, Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-R) and Rep. Mike Doyle (PA-D) introduced the Advancing Innovation and Reinvigorating Widespread Access to Viable Electromagnetic Spectrum, or “AIRWAVES,” Act. The AIRWAVES Act is the House companion to S.1682.