The Federal Communications Commission has temporarily granted the Navajo Nation use of part of the unassigned spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band to provide wireless broadband service on the reservation.
According to the FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, tribal members in remote areas of the Navajo Nation, along with all people, are increasingly relying on internet access to work from home and access telemedicine.
“I am pleased that we can provide this temporary spectrum access to the Navajo Nation,” said Pai in a press release. “This additional spectrum should help the leaders of the Navajo Nation meet the needs of its people during this challenging time. I wish all the Navajo people health and wellness, and I remain committed to helping them bridge the digital divide.”
Tribal leaders made the request for additional access to broadband as part of their coronavirus response. The grant will last 60 days.
The FCC says it continues to accept applications from tribes to access to unassigned parts of the spectrum until Aug. 3, 2020.
