Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, along with Representative Mary Sattler Peltola, have expressed their support for the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent announcement of the Alaska Connect Fund (ACF). This initiative is an extension of the Alaska Plan, which was launched in 2016 to enhance broadband connectivity across Alaska. The original plan allocated $1.5 billion over ten years for broadband maintenance and upgrades throughout the state. Since its inception, it has improved broadband services for over 96,000 Alaskans and enhanced wireless services for 65,000 residents. The ACF will extend these efforts for another decade.

Senator Sullivan highlighted the success of the initial plan, stating: "The FCC’s 2016 Alaska Plan has been an important success. Rural Alaska communities are more connected today than ever before." He emphasized ongoing efforts to connect every community in Alaska by collaborating with local carriers and stakeholders.

Senator Murkowski pointed out the unique challenges faced by Alaskan communities due to remote locations and harsh weather conditions: "Whether you’re a commercial fisherman outside of Dutch Harbor or a subsistence hunter leaving Utqiagvik on your snowmachine, finding cell service in rural Alaska is incredibly important – and also incredibly challenging." She thanked FCC officials for recognizing these challenges and extending support through the ACF.

Representative Peltola noted that "Too often, Alaska is decades behind in infrastructure development," but acknowledged that the continuation of this program would further connect families across the state.

Christine O’Connor from the Alaska Telecom Association praised the delegation's commitment: “We are incredibly grateful to the FCC, and to our Alaska delegation in Washington—Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Congresswoman Mary Peltola—for their unwavering commitment to expanding broadband access."