FCC Provides T-Mobile Temporary Access to Additional Spectrum to Help Keep Americans Connected During Coronavirus Pandemic

Building on the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, Grant of Special Temporary Authority in the 600 MHz Band Will Help T-Mobile Support Increased Usage

The Federal Communications Commission today granted Special Temporary Authority to T-Mobile U.S.A. to use additional spectrum in the 600 MHz Band to help it meet increased customer demand for broadband during the coronavirus pandemic.  The company requested this authority to make it easier for Americans to participate in telehealth, distance learning, and telework, and simply remain connected while practicing recommended “social distancing.”  T-Mobile also indicated that this authority would enable it to be prepared to meet the needs of first responders. 

This is the latest step in FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s initiative, in partnership with the private sector, to keep Americans connected during the coronavirus outbreak.  On Friday, Chairman Pai launched the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, in which 69 broadband and telephone providers across the country agreed to take specific steps to help Americans stay connected for the next 60 days.

“The FCC is dedicated to helping Americans work from home, learn at home, and connect remotely to health care professionals during this crisis,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.  “I would like to thank all of the companies that agreed to make their spectrum available for this important effort—DISH, Comcast, NewLevel, LB License Co, Channel 51, Omega, Bluewater, and TStar License Holdings.  And, of course, I would like to thank T-Mobile for launching this effort.  This temporary authority will help T-Mobile better serve customers who, like all of us, are making significant adjustments to their daily lives to minimize in-person interactions and slow the spread of COVID-19.  In the days ahead, I look forward to taking additional actions, in partnership with the private sector, to Keep Americans Connected.”

The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau today issued the 60-day special temporary authority to T-Mobile to use additional spectrum in the 600 MHz band to augment its ability to provide broadband service.  The spectrum that T-Mobile will use was held either in FCC inventory or by other licensees that have consented to T-Mobile’s temporary use of the spectrum.

Source: FCC media announcement