Public Comments
The Alaska Broadband Task Force is finalizing its blueprint for Alaska’s future broadband needs. The plan and draft recommendations will be posted on this site in the coming weeks, and the task force welcomes public comments. Please check back with us by October 30th to review the proposed recommendations.
Upcoming Task Force Meeting
The March task force meeting has been postponed until April. The next task force meeting will take place on April 18th in the Veco Boardroom on the Alaska Pacific University Campus from 1:00PM to 5:00PM.
Alaska Broadband Maps
The Alaska Broadband Task Force has released maps prepared by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska that show Alaska's terrestrial middle-mile network infrastructure. The maps reflect current long-haul communications infrastructure, proposed infrastructure additions that are moving forward after securing funding, and additional proposed infrastructure that have not been funded. Since map information was derived from publicly available sources, the maps may not include all current or planned terrestrial long-haul infrastructure in Alaska. Individuals with information on terrestrial middle mile infrastructure that is not reflected on these maps should contact Jess Manaois at the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.
Download the Maps
- Current Infrastructure (Small / Large)
- Planned and Funded Infrastructure (Small / Large)
- Proposed and Unfunded Infrastructure (Small / Large)
News and Events
A WiFi Hotspot at the Coldest Spot on Earth
"Israel’s Alvarion makes rugged routers that facilitate communication in some of the most challenging environments — like Alaska’s North Slope [more…]"
Source: The Times of Israel
Arctic Fibre Extends Network to Northwest Alaskan Communities
"Arctic Fibre Inc. announced today that it will partner with Anchorage-based Quintillion Networks, LLC to provide broadband telecommunications services to more than 26,500 Alaska residents living along the Alaskan North Slope and Bering Sea coastline, and to provide a geographically diverse alternate fibre route for traffic from the United States to Europe and Asia. [more…]"
Source: Arctic Fibre
Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference Report on Regional Broadband
"The 2010 Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference (SWAMC) report, Southwest Alaska Broadband Strategy: Planning for Opportunity, identified a need for enhanced internet access in Southwest Alaska. It proposed that adoption of faster broadband internet in the region would increase the quality of life for residents in many ways. [more…]"
Source: Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference
+ Broadband Roundtable
August 27 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm at the Dena'ina Convention Center in the K'enakatnu (Knik) Executive Boardroom, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel will join a public roundtable session with the Statewide Broadband Task Force to discuss broadband issues and major telecommunication changes at the national level. Commissioner Rosenworcel was appointed to the FCC last fall and is making her familiarization trip to Alaska to meet with the task force and members of the public in this roundtable session. For more information on Commissioner Rosenworcel, visit her bio at the FCC website
+ USDA Accepting Grant Applications for Broadband Development in Rural Communities
Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new grant opportunity from the USDA through Community Connect Broadband program for grants to provide broadband internet services to rural communities. For more information, see the official press release, or visit the Community Connect Program website.
+ Chairman Genachowski Speech on USF and ICC Reform
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski delivered remarks on proposed reforms to the Universal Service Fund (USF) and Intercarrier Compensation (ICC) system. Modernizing USF and ICC is critical to connecting rural consumers to 21st century broadband and mobility, and was a central recommendation of the FCC's National Broadband Plan. Later on Thursday, staff will circulate a USF/ICC reform order to the Commissioners for their consideration at the Commission's October 27 open meeting. Read the USF Reform Summary (PDF).
Source: FCC Events
Working to secure a connected future for Alaska, the Task Force strives to provide Alaskan businesses and residents equally competitive and economic opportunities enjoyed by the rest of the country.
Did you know that Alaskan businesses with broadband earn an average of $100,000 more in revenue than businesses without? 
The Alaska Broadband Task Force is aiming to bring broadband access to every Alaskan by 2020. 