Over 16,000 Rural Alaskans Get Access to High-speed Internet, Thanks to Alaska Communications Broadband Network Expansion
July 21 2020 - 8:55AM
Business Wire
Alaska Communications (NASDAQ: ALSK) has achieved a milestone in
its broadband network expansion program, reaching over 16,000 rural
Alaska residents with high-speed internet, with a goal of serving
more than 32,000 rural Alaskans. The program started in 2017 and
will continue through 2025. Communities now served with new or
upgraded internet speeds include Delta Junction, Fairbanks, Homer,
Hope, Kenai, Klawock, Larsen Bay, Ninilchik, North Kenai, North
Pole, Seldovia and Soldotna. The company plans to deliver
high-speed internet to Coffman Cove, Hoonah, Kake, Kasilof,
Sterling and Thorne Bay by Dec. 31, 2020.
This press release features multimedia. View
the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200721005088/en/
Alaska Communications Field Technician
Kristine Barber installs fixed wireless at a home in Sterling,
Alaska. (Photo: Business Wire)
The network expansion is funded in part through the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF
II) program.
“Alaska Communications is pleased to reach this important
milestone expanding its high-speed broadband network to rural
Alaskans. We know how critical broadband is for education,
healthcare, economic development and quality of life. We thank the
FCC along with Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan and Congressman
Young for their support bringing this important infrastructure to
our state,” said Bill Bishop, Alaska Communications president and
CEO.
Once complete, the project will be the single largest deployment
of affordable broadband under any one program in Alaska. Internet
speeds are a minimum 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload. However,
the company has sought to deliver higher speeds, up to 50 Mbps
download, 10 Mbps upload, whenever possible. The company is
offering reliable, unlimited internet with no data caps for one,
flat rate of $89.99 per month. Alaska Communications does not
charge overage fees for data usage.
The FCC created the CAF II program in 2011 to facilitate the
deployment of high-speed internet access in high-cost locations by
transitioning Universal Service Fund money that was supporting
rural landline voice service to the build-out of broadband
infrastructure in rural communities. Under the terms of the current
order, the FCC will provide approximately $19.7 million per year
for 10 years, starting in 2016, to assist Alaska Communications in
deploying broadband to about 32,000 locations in Alaska.
About Alaska Communications
Alaska Communications (NASDAQ: ALSK) is the leading provider of
advanced broadband and managed IT services for businesses and
consumers in Alaska. The company operates a highly reliable,
advanced statewide data network with the latest technology and the
most diverse undersea fiber optic system connecting Alaska to the
contiguous U.S. For more information, visit
www.AlaskaCommunications.com or www.alsk.com.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200721005088/en/
Alaska Communications Media Contact: Heather Cavanaugh,
907-564-7722 Director, External Affairs and Corporate
Communications
Investor Contact: Tiffany Smith, 907-564-7556 Manager, Board and
Investor Relations investors@acsalaska.com
Alaska Communications Sy... (NASDAQ:ALSK)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
Alaska Communications Sy... (NASDAQ:ALSK)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024