Note: Northstar Wireless is a subsidiary of Doyon Ltd., an Alaska Native regional corporation.

Northstar Wireless to Work with Verizon Wireless to Strengthen Wireless Capability During Unprecedented COVID-19 Crisis

Northstar’s entire portfolio of paired AWS-3 spectrum – covering 120 million people nationwide – made available to Verizon Wireless at no cost for two months

March 18, 2020

FAIRBANKS, AK – Northstar Wireless announced today that it was making available its entire portfolio of AWS-3 paired spectrum licenses available to Verizon Wireless for a period of 60 days, at no cost. These licenses are used to provide cell phone and data service and cover 120 million people nationwide with 10 MHz or more of spectrum. The spectrum will significantly augment Verizon’s network capacity as it strives to serve customers who are working from home, schooling at home, utilizing telemedicine, and otherwise increasingly reliant upon high-speed broadband as they adjust to the COVID-19 reality.

“We take great pride in making our contribution to the national response to COVID-19,” said Sarah Obed, VP of External Affairs for Doyon, Limited, which is the parent company of Northstar Wireless and an Alaska Native corporation. “As wireless networks are experiencing substantial additional demands, our spectrum will allow Verizon Wireless to unlock much needed additional network capacity and in turn improve speeds and service for their customers. We are proud to do our part to respond to this crisis – both in Alaska and the Lower 48.”

The spectrum being made available to Verizon Wireless was won by Northstar Wireless in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 2015 AWS-3 Spectrum auction, otherwise known as Auction 97.

Northstar Wireless is a subsidiary of Doyon, Limited, an Alaska Native Corporation based in Fairbanks, Alaska and owned by over 20,000 Alaska Native shareholders. Northstar was one of the most successful bidders in the FCC’s Auction 97 for wireless spectrum.  Previously, Doyon built out and operated successful wireless networks in Chicago and other major cities, deploying innovative new unlimited usage, flat rate, no contract wireless plans.  Doyon’s mission is to enhance and promote the economic and social well-being of its shareholders and future shareholders, to strengthen its Native way of life and to protect and enhance its land and resources. Doyon is active in many industries, including natural resource development, government contracting, tourism, and telecommunications.

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