Nearly 12,000 Rural Alaskans Could Receive High-Speed Internet For The First Time

Anchorage AK

15 September, 2021

10:29 AM

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From Anchorage Chamber of Commerce: September 9, 2021 Nearly 12,000 rural Alaskans in 23 communities along the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers would receive high-speed internet for the first time, if the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approves requests for tribal broadband grants. The Alaska FiberOptic Project, a collaboration between Calista Corporation, Doyon, Limited, Gana-A 'Yoo Limited and Alaska Communications, would connect one of the most underserved regions in the United States with a fiber-optic cable that would be the foundation for expanding broadband to communities in the region. It would offer Gigabit service in communities that today cannot access virtual meetings, online classes, telehealth, or online jobs. The four companies recognize that reliable, affordable, high-speed internet is the foundation for education, healthcare, economic growth, and quality of life. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of broadband and illuminated the growing digital divide. The Alaska FiberOptic Project will bridge that divide for many Alaska Natives. "We have met regularly, over the years, within our Region to understand the issues and explore solutions for lack of adequate broadband connectivity," said Aaron Schutt, president and CEO of Doyon, Limited. "Fiber-optic cable will provide the most reliable, affordable and fastest internet today and for the next generation. We intend to work collaboratively with other groups so Alaska's many broadband projects complement each other and work to serve as many people as possible." "Reliable, affordable, high-speed internet is a key to connecting our people to the world, preserving and advancing our culture, and offering opportunities for young people in our communities. In combination with other broadband projects in our region, the Alaska FiberOptic Project will create the foundation for many socio-economic improvements and opportunities in the region now and for decades to come," said Andrew Guy, president and CEO of Calista Corporation. "Gana-A Yoo, Limited is excited to join its partners in making the Alaska FiberOptic Project a reality by creating a fiber backbone that will positively transform our region," said Dena Sommer-Pedebone, CEO of Gana-A 'Yoo, Limited. "We are grateful to Doyon, Calista and Gana-A 'Yoo for their vision and dedication to serving their communities. We look forward to partnering with them on this project and expanding reliable, high-speed, affordable internet access in Alaska," said Bill Bishop, president and CEO of Alaska Communications. The proposed Alaska FiberOptic Project would create a fiber optic network that starts at Fort Yukon, ends in Napakiak and connects to Alaska Communications core network in Fairbanks. The Alaska FiberOptic Project would also deploy fiber-to-the-home in each of the 23 communities served on the route. Grant applications were submitted to the NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Sept. 1. NTIA expects to award grants by the end of 2021. If awarded, the project would be complete in 2024. This press release was produced by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed are the author's own.