Authority Granted to Dozens of Fixed Wireless Broadband Providers to Support Rural Telework, Remote Learning, and Telehealth

WASHINGTON, March 27, 2020—The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau today granted temporary spectrum access to 33 wireless Internet service providers serving 330 counties in 29 states to help them serve rural communities facing an increase in broadband needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Special Temporary Authority (STA) granted today allows these companies to use the lower 45 megahertz of spectrum in the 5.9 GHz band for 60 days.

“Like everybody else, rural Americans are facing an increased need for broadband service as more and more workers, students, and families stay home during this national emergency,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.  “Fixed wireless broadband providers deliver this service for many communities, especially those hardest for other providers to reach. Giving them access to the 5.9 GHz band will help them meet their customers’ needs during these challenging times.  I want to thank these companies for all they’re doing to help their customers. I also would like to thank our counterparts at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for their cooperation. Last but not least, I would like to thank the FCC’s excellent staff for their hard work in processing these applications thoroughly and swiftly.  Their efforts here and on many other issues demonstrate the FCC’s determination to do everything we can to Keep Americans Connected.”

The Special Temporary Authorities granted today will help serve communities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.  The list of individual companies and the counties they serve will be posted on FCC.gov.