News
An ISP in Alaska is celebrating a Nov. 4 order from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) establishing the Alaska Connect Fund.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Alaska Communications, a provider of mission and life-critical communications infrastructure in Alaska, is celebrating the FCC’s establishment of the Alaska Connect Fund.
The fund, established with a Nov. 4 FCC order, will provide support to Alaska through 2034 for the operation and maintenance of deployed networks around the state.
A Nov. 7 release from Alaska Communications said the news means “rural Alaskans will continue to have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet.”
The company thanked the FCC in their announcement.
“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,” said Matt McConnell, the CEO of Alaska Communications. “We know how critical broadband is for education, healthcare, economic development and quality of life.”
McConnell also thanked Alaska’s congressional delegation “for their support in bringing this much-needed financial support to our state.”
According to Alaska Communications, the firm started participating in the FCC’s Connect America Fund Phase II High Cost program in Alaska back in 2017.
Since then, the ISP has connected nearly 30,000 locations in Alaska, according to the company’s release.
“The ACF is the next phase of the High Cost program and will support upgraded speeds and continued broadband deployment in these communities,” the release from Alaska Communications stated.
With the order, the FCC increased federal Universal Service Fund support for Alaska starting on New Year’s Day 2025, and continuing until Dec. 31, 2028.
From 2029 to 2034, the Alaska Connect Fund will provide support “for the operation and maintenance of deployed broadband and voice networks throughout the state,” the release from Alaska Communications explained.
Join the conversation about connectivity in North America. Click here to learn more about Broadband Communities Summit 2025.
