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Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2021
12/31/2022, 5:05 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4656
Bill 117 hr 4656, also known as the Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2021, aims to address the issue of limited access to broadband internet in tribal communities. The bill recognizes that many tribal lands lack adequate broadband infrastructure, which hinders economic development, educational opportunities, and access to essential services.
The key provisions of the bill include extending the deadline for tribal entities to apply for spectrum licenses for broadband service. This extension will allow tribes more time to secure the necessary licenses and resources to expand broadband access on their lands.
Additionally, the bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prioritize tribal entities when considering applications for spectrum licenses. This will help ensure that tribal communities have a fair opportunity to access the necessary resources to improve their broadband infrastructure. Overall, the Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2021 seeks to address the digital divide in tribal communities by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to expand broadband access. By prioritizing tribal entities in the allocation of spectrum licenses, the bill aims to promote economic development, educational opportunities, and access to essential services in tribal lands.
The key provisions of the bill include extending the deadline for tribal entities to apply for spectrum licenses for broadband service. This extension will allow tribes more time to secure the necessary licenses and resources to expand broadband access on their lands.
Additionally, the bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prioritize tribal entities when considering applications for spectrum licenses. This will help ensure that tribal communities have a fair opportunity to access the necessary resources to improve their broadband infrastructure. Overall, the Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2021 seeks to address the digital divide in tribal communities by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to expand broadband access. By prioritizing tribal entities in the allocation of spectrum licenses, the bill aims to promote economic development, educational opportunities, and access to essential services in tribal lands.
Congressional Summary of HR 4656
Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2021
This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to, within 30 days, establish a new tribal priority window for the 2.5 gigahertz band, through which tribes in rural areas may apply for unassigned spectrum. The new window is subject to the same terms and conditions as the tribal priority window that was adopted by the FCC on July 10, 2019, and that closed on September 2, 2020.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 4656
Bill HR 4656 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 22, 2021. Bill HR 4656 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on July 22, 2021. Bill HR 4656's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. as of July 23, 2021
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4656
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
1Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
14Democrat Cosponsors
10Republican Cosponsors
4Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4656
Primary Policy Focus
Native AmericansAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4656
To direct the Federal Communications Commission to establish a new Tribal priority window for the 2.5 gigahertz band, and for other purposes.
Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2021
Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2021
Comments
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 4656
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