FCC Grants Verizon Temporary Spectrum Access To Keep Americans Connected During Covid-19 Pandemic

Chairman Pai Thanks Pentagon and NTIA for Cooperation in Processing of Special Temporary Authority Application

The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau today granted Verizon’s request for Special Temporary Authority (STA) to use additional spectrum to help meet increased customer demand for broadband during the coronavirus pandemic.  This STA will allow the company to operate for 60 days in spectrum licensed to Northstar Wireless LLC and SNR Wireless LicenseCo in the AWS-3 Band in order to provide additional capacity to Verizon customers across the country.

“Wireless services are a vital part of connectivity, and this has never been truer than during this crisis, when so many people are turning to telework, remote learning, and telehealth options,” said Chairman Pai.  “I want to thank Northstar and SNR for their willingness to allow this use of the spectrum for which they hold licenses.  I’m also grateful to Verizon for seeking out ways to meet increased consumer demand.  And I want to give a special thanks to our partners at the Department of Defense and NTIA for their efforts in working with us to ensure that this emergency authority could be granted quickly.”

The Commission has granted similar requests by T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular in recent days.  These actions continue the FCC’s efforts to ensure Americans remain connected during the coronavirus pandemic, including the FCC’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge, through which broadband and phone service providers have committed to taking specific steps to help Americans get and stay online.

Source: FCC media announcement