News
The FCC is a step closer to sending over $160 million to the Alaska Connect Fund to propel the deployment of mobile broadband services.
By Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
An additional $162 million for the Alaska Connect Fund is on tap if FCC commissioners approve a new order circulated by Chairman Brendan Carr.
The proposed spending, representing what the FCC calls “high-cost funding,” would be distributed on an application basis to support mobile deployment in the state’s unserved areas.
The Alaska Connect Fund, set to kick off in January 2027, was approved for creation back in 2024 to replace the Alaska Plan program, the chairman’s office said Wednesday.
Carr’s office also explained more about how the funding will work in their October 14 release.
“Mobile providers participating in the Alaska Connect Fund would build and expand next generation mobile service to unserved communities in Alaska, if selected following the application process,” the announcement stated. ” The Order would also provide a two-year extension of Alaska Connect Fund Mobile Phase I and would direct FCC staff to host roundtable discussions with stakeholders to help ensure the Alaska Connect Fund advances the Build America agenda and universal service goals.”
In comments included with the release, Carr said the FCC has worked with stakeholders in Alaska over the past decade to address connectivity gaps.
“We take another good step forward today and build on this important work of supercharging wireless in Alaska by voting to provide another $162 million for mobile broadband,” Carr said.
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