The Federal Communications Commission has approved licenses that would give the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands ownership of broadband spectrum, and allow the state agency to deploy wireless internet services on Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, and Maui, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz.

“This news means that people can expect faster and more reliable internet service,” said Schatz, a member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, the Internet, and Innovation. “We all know how important internet access has become during this pandemic as we try work or go to school from home so this is good news.”

The new FCC licenses provide for the exclusive use of up to 117.5 megahertz of 2.5 GHz band spectrum that can be used by DHHL to create their own wireless networks, according to Schatz. The buildout of the networks is expected to be done by 2022.