Viya Gets EBS Waiver for US Virgin Islands
The FCC Wireless Bureau approved a waiver request granting Choice Communications permanent authorization to use 2.5 GHz spectrum in St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands for which it previously held special temporary authority. Viya,…
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through Choice, has been using spectrum in the band there for more than 20 years, the bureau said. The order noted the current freeze on applications to use educational broadband service spectrum. In July, commissioners approved 3-2 revised rules, including an incentive auction of unused 2.5 GHz spectrum and EBS white spaces (see 1907100054). “Application of the filing freeze would be inequitable and contrary to the public interest under the unique circumstances,” the bureau said: “Other than Viya’s network, there is limited broadband available in the USVI. Viya’s 4G LTE network is better able to reach more areas than the island’s wireline broadband network. In addition, Viya is using all of the available EBS spectrum and has no other immediate alternative than to seek permanent authorization.”