Rural Alaskans will continue to have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet thanks to a Nov. 4 order issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
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Alaska Communications Field Technician Kristine Barber prepares for a broadband installation on the Kenai Peninsula, a rural part of Alaska that will benefit from the Alaska Connect Fund. (Photo: Business Wire)
The order establishes the Alaska Connect Fund (“ACF”), which will provide Alaska Communications with increased federal Universal Service Fund support starting January 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2028. The Fund will allow Alaska Communications to continue deployment and operation of broadband across its service areas. Beginning January 1, 2029, the Alaska Connect Fund will provide ongoing support through the end of 2034 for the operation and maintenance of deployed broadband and voice networks throughout the state. The amount of support and eligible locations for the second phase of funding will be determined by FCC staff and will take into consideration broadband deployment funded through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (“BEAD”) Program in Alaska. The State of Alaska received over $1 billion in BEAD funding, which will be distributed by the Alaska Broadband Office.
“Alaska Communications is pleased to reach this important milestone with the FCC, setting the stage for continued deployment of affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband in our rural communities. We know how critical broadband is for education, healthcare, economic development and quality of life,” said Matt McConnell, Alaska Communications president and CEO. “We thank the FCC, along with Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan and Congresswoman Peltola for their support in bringing this much-needed financial support to our state.”
In 2017, Alaska Communications started participating in the FCC’s Connect America Fund Phase II High Cost universal service program in Alaska. Since that time, the company has deployed affordable, reliable, high-speed internet to nearly 30,000 locations in Alaska, including Coffman Cove, Delta Junction, Homer, Hope, Hoonah, Kake, Kasilof, Kenai, Klawock, Larsen Bay, Ninilchik, North Kenai, North Pole, Seldovia, Soldotna and Sterling.
The ACF is the next phase of the High Cost program and will support upgraded speeds and continued broadband deployment in these communities.
About Alaska Communications
Alaska Communications, an affiliate of ATN International, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNI), is the leading provider of mission and life-critical communications infrastructure in Alaska. The company operates a robust and advanced statewide fiber network and a highly diverse undersea fiber optic system that connects Alaska to the contiguous U.S. For additional information, visit www.AlaskaCommunications.com.
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