#ConnectTribes: Extend the Tribal Priority Window!

Native people living on rural tribal land have the opportunity to apply for 2.5GHz spectrum licenses – and bring internet access to millions of indigenous people across the country! The application window was just extended a mere 30 days until September 2, however, and your help is needed!

As many as 70% of rural tribal residents lack high-capacity broadband, and cell service can be nonexistent. The pandemic has impeded tribes’ ability to apply to this one-time, crucial program. Covid-19 has hugely impacted indigenous people – at a rate second only to Black Americans (Color of Coronavirus project). And the need for digital connectivity is hrightened, and a blinding light is shining on digital inequality, especially for people of color. As The Internet Society writes, For Tribal Lands Ravaged by COVID-19, Broadband Access Is a Matter of Life and Death.

Apply or share the process outlined for tribes from The Internet Society; follow the lead of the National Congress of American Indians on next steps coming soon, and follow Public Knowledge's encouragement to contact Congressional representatives and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to support a 180 day extension.