Window opens for tribes to seek licenses for internet access

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By FELICIA FONSECA

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The Federal Communications Commission opened a window Monday for federally recognized tribes to apply for licenses that could help establish or expand internet access on their lands.

Tribes had pushed to be first in line for mid-band spectrum licenses that largely are unassigned across the western United States and once were reserved for educational institutions. The 2.5 Ghz-band of spectrum — channels of electromagnetic waves — are seen as key to expanding 5G access.

The FCC estimates that about one-third of people living on tribal lands don’t have access to high-speed internet, but others say the figure is twice as high.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai told tribes gathered in Washington last month for a broadband workshop that the licenses could be a “game-changer,” allowing tribes to consult online with specialists, work from home, job search, start online businesses or take classes online.



Read more: https://apnews.com/1a95500da911407c2c5d1ea82ddeb3e9

[Wellstone ruled]

1. Most likely more than fifty per cent do not have

Internet. If the folks do not have a cell phone,which btw,there few Cell Towers any where near Reservations unless it is near a well traveled Hy-way.

[elleng]

2. 'Ajit Pai told tribes ( ) could

allowing tribes to consult online with specialists, work from home, job search, start online businesses or take classes online.'

Well isn't that nice. :sarcasm;