1. How does the state of Alaska address the issue of high internet costs for low-income families?

The state of Alaska has several programs and initiatives in place to help address the issue of high internet costs for low-income families. These include:

1. Lifeline Assistance Program: The federal Lifeline program provides a discount on phone and internet services for eligible low-income households. In Alaska, the program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and offers a monthly $20 discount on qualifying internet plans.

2. Rural Health Care Program: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also oversees a Rural Health Care Program that helps healthcare providers in rural areas obtain affordable broadband services. Eligible entities can receive discounts on their monthly broadband costs through this program.

3. ConnectHome Initiative: This national initiative, launched by HUD in 2015, aims to provide affordable internet access to families living in public housing. In Alaska, Anchorage became one of the first cities to join the initiative, offering discounted high-speed internet access to eligible families.

4. Tribal E-Rate Program: The E-Rate program, overseen by the FCC, provides funding for schools and libraries in rural and tribal areas to obtain affordable broadband services. This can help reduce internet costs for low-income families with children who attend these schools or use these libraries.

5. Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program: The state of Alaska offers grants through its Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program to help fund broadband infrastructure projects in underserved areas, including remote and rural communities.

Additionally, some ISPs in Alaska offer special discounts or packages for low-income households and there are various non-profit organizations that provide free or discounted internet services to disadvantaged individuals and communities.

2. What government programs are available in Alaska to ensure affordable internet access for underserved communities?

There are several government programs available in Alaska to ensure affordable internet access for underserved communities.

1. Alaska Universal Service Fund (AUSF): This program provides subsidies to telecommunication companies to support the deployment and maintenance of telecommunications services, including broadband internet, in remote and underserved areas of the state.

2. Rural Development Broadband Program: This program, run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service, provides loans and grants to build and improve broadband infrastructure in rural areas, including Alaska.

3. Lifeline Assistance Program: The Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program offers discounted phone and internet service for qualifying low-income households in Alaska.

4. Connect America Fund: This FCC program provides financial support to telecommunications companies to help them provide broadband service at reasonable rates in rural areas, including some parts of Alaska.

5. E-rate Program: The E-rate program, run by the Universal Service Administrative Company with oversight from the FCC, helps schools and libraries in underserved areas of Alaska access affordable high-speed internet.

6. Alaska Telephone Association Grant: The ATA Grant is a state-funded initiative that provides funding to telephone companies for expanding and improving telecommunications infrastructure, which can include broadband internet.

7. Digital Inclusion Fund: Managed by the State Library’s Division of Libraries, Archives & Museums, this fund provides grants to libraries across Alaska for purchasing computer equipment and providing digital literacy training programs for underserved communities.

In addition to these government programs, there are also various local initiatives and partnerships between community organizations, non-profits, and telecommunications companies that work towards bridging the digital divide in underserved communities in Alaska.

3. In what ways is the government of Alaska working to bridge the digital divide and promote internet affordability for all residents?

1. Alaska has established a Broadband Task Force to identify and address broadband issues in the state, including the digital divide and internet affordability.

2. The Alaska Universal Service Fund (AUSF) provides funding to ensure that affordable telecommunications services are available throughout the state, including rural and remote areas.

3. The government offers subsidies for low-income households through the Lifeline Assistance Program, which helps eligible residents afford broadband or telephone services.

4. The State of Alaska Broadband Assistance Program aims to assist communities in the development of broadband infrastructure and services, including promoting high-speed internet access for all residents.

5. The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development’s Division of Economic Development works with businesses and industries to promote broadband deployment, adoption, and use across the state.

6. The government has also partnered with private companies to expand internet access in rural areas through initiatives like Connect Alaska.

7. In 2020, Governor Mike Dunleavy signed legislation establishing an Office of Broadband Development within the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to coordinate statewide efforts to expand access to affordable high-speed internet.

8. Additionally, various educational programs have been implemented by the government to increase digital literacy among residents and help bridge the digital divide.

9. The government also supports community-based projects aimed at improving broadband infrastructure in rural areas through grants from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service.

10. Lastly, there are ongoing efforts by local governments in Alaska to negotiate better deals with internet service providers for affordable rates for their residents.

4. What incentives or initiatives has Alaska implemented to encourage ISPs to offer more affordable internet plans?

1. Broadband Task Force: The Alaska Broadband Task Force was established in 2014 to address the state’s lack of affordable and reliable broadband service. The task force is responsible for developing policies and initiatives to improve broadband accessibility and affordability.

2. Alaska Universal Service Fund (USF): This program provides financial assistance to qualified telecommunications carriers to help offset the cost of providing services in remote areas of Alaska. The USF helps to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, promoting more affordable internet plans.

3. Educational Broadband Service: In 2020, the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development acquired an Educational Broadband Service license from the Federal Communications Commission. This allows schools and educational institutions statewide to access high-speed internet at discounted rates, making it more affordable for students and teachers.

4. ConnectHome Initiative: This initiative aims to provide affordable internet access for low-income households with school-aged children. Through partnerships with internet service providers (ISPs), eligible families can receive significantly reduced rates for high-speed internet services.

5. Telecommunications Information Council (TIC) Grants: These grants support infrastructure projects that increase broadband availability in underserved areas of the state, with a focus on connecting schools, health clinics, libraries, and other essential community organizations.

6. Community Anchorage Program: ISPs can apply for this program, which offers matching funds for broadband infrastructure projects in targeted communities that lack affordable internet options.

7. Gigabit City Challenge: Through this initiative, cities are encouraged to work with ISPs to increase their broadband capacity and speeds up to 1 gigabit per second by 2020.

8. Technology Assistance Program (TAP): TAP provides technical support and assistance to rural communities looking to improve their broadband infrastructure and access options.

9. Tribal E-rate Pilot Program: This pilot program supports tribal schools’ efforts to secure discounted rates for telecommunications services so they can offer more affordable internet options for their students.

10. Public-Private Partnerships: The state of Alaska is actively seeking out partnerships with ISPs to increase broadband accessibility and affordability, especially in rural areas where the cost of infrastructure development may be significantly higher.

5. Is there a specific agency or department in Alaska responsible for overseeing internet affordability programs?

Yes, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development is responsible for overseeing internet affordability programs in the state. The department’s goal is to promote economic growth and development, including access to affordable internet services for all Alaskans.

6. How does Alaska measure and track progress towards achieving widespread, affordable internet access for its residents?

There are several ways that Alaska measures and tracks progress towards achieving widespread, affordable internet access for its residents:

1. Broadband Mapping: Alaska has a broadband mapping program that collects data on broadband availability and speeds in different areas of the state. This data is used to identify gaps in coverage and to track progress over time.

2. Broadband Deployment Grant Program: The state also has a broadband deployment grant program that provides funding to internet service providers to expand their networks into underserved areas of the state. The progress of these projects is tracked to ensure that they are meeting their goals for increasing internet access.

3. Broadband Cost Survey: A biennial broadband cost survey is conducted in Alaska to track the affordability of internet service across different regions and types of service (e.g. fixed versus mobile). This helps identify any significant barriers to accessing affordable internet.

4. Technology Plans: Every school district in Alaska is required to submit a technology plan every three years which includes goals related to improving internet access for students and educators. These plans are monitored by the Department of Education and Early Development to track progress towards achieving those goals.

5. Universal Service Fund (USF): Alaska’s USF is used to subsidize the cost of providing high-speed internet service in rural and remote areas where the cost of infrastructure development may be prohibitive for providers. The effectiveness of this fund in expanding internet access is regularly evaluated.

6. Community Partnerships: Finally, some communities in Alaska have formed partnerships with local ISPs or utilized community-owned networks to improve broadband access for residents. The success of these initiatives can be measured through surveys or usage data.

Overall, these various methods allow Alaska to monitor progress towards achieving widespread, affordable internet access and make adjustments as needed to ensure that all residents have equal opportunities for connectivity.

7. Are there any partnerships between government and private companies in Alaska aimed at lowering the cost of internet service?

Yes, there are several partnerships between government and private companies in Alaska that are aimed at lowering the cost of internet service.

1. GCI Alaska: GCI has partnered with the state government to expand broadband internet access in rural communities. The company has committed to investing over $100 million to bring high-speed internet service to underserved areas in the state.

2. Alaska Communications: This company has partnered with organizations like the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) to provide discounted internet service to schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities in rural communities.

3. Connect Alaska: This partnership includes government agencies, telecommunications companies, and community organizations working together to improve broadband access and affordability across the state.

4. Alaska Universal Service Fund: The State of Alaska created this fund to subsidize internet services for low-income households living in rural areas.

5. Assistance from Federal Programs: Organizations like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provide funding and grants for expanding broadband infrastructure and bringing affordable internet access to remote communities in Alaska.

6. Rural Utilities Service: This program provides loans, grants, and loan guarantees for telecommunications infrastructure projects that aim to bring affordable broadband services to underserved areas in rural America.

7. Collaborative Research Ventures: The University of Alaska Fairbanks collaborates with local businesses and industries on research projects related to broadband connectivity issues in rural communities. These collaborations have resulted in new technologies and solutions that can reduce the cost of internet service.

8. Does Alaska provide subsidies or discounts for low-income households struggling with high internet costs?

Yes, Alaska offers several programs and initiatives to help low-income households afford high-speed internet services. These include:

1. Alaska Lifeline Program – This is a federal program that provides a discount for basic phone or internet service to eligible low-income households.
2. Alaska Universal Service Fund (AUSF) – This fund provides subsidies to rural and remote areas of the state to reduce the cost of telecommunications services, including internet access.
3. Rural Health Care Program – This program helps healthcare providers in rural areas access affordable broadband services for telemedicine and health information exchange.
4. ConnectHome Alaska – A partnership between the state government and local housing authorities that offers discounted or free internet service to low-income families living in HUD-assisted housing.
5.Availability of low-cost plans from internet service providers (ISPs) – Many ISPs in Alaska offer discounted plans for low-income households, such as GCI’s “Low-Cost Internet” program or MTA’s “Lifeline Broadband” plan.

Overall, these programs aim to bridge the digital divide and provide affordable internet services to underserved communities in Alaska.

9. Are there any state-level regulations or policies in place to prevent ISPs from charging exorbitant prices for internet services in Alaska?

There are no specific state-level regulations or policies in place in Alaska to prevent ISPs from charging exorbitant prices for internet services. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has regulatory authority over broadband providers and monitors prices and competition in the market. Additionally, Alaska has its own regulatory agency, the Alaska Public Utilities Commission, which oversees utility rates and may review and regulate internet service providers if there are complaints filed against them.

10. Can students from low-income families in Alaska access discounted or free high-speed internet through government programs?

Yes, students from low-income families in Alaska may be able to access discounted or free high-speed internet through government programs. The Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program offers a discount on phone and internet services to eligible low-income households. Additionally, the Department of Education’s ConnectED program provides funding for schools and libraries in high-poverty areas to obtain high-speed internet access. Alaska also has its own programs, such as the Rural Alaskans Communication Grants Program, which provides funds for broadband development in rural areas of the state. Eligibility requirements for these programs may vary, so students should check with their school or local government for more information.

11. How does Alaska’s approach to promoting internet affordability differ from that of other states?

Alaska’s approach to promoting internet affordability differs from that of other states in several ways:

1. Rural broadband subsidies: Alaska has implemented various programs and subsidies to promote broadband affordability in rural and remote areas, where the cost of infrastructure development is high. These subsidies help reduce the financial burden on internet service providers (ISPs) and allow them to offer affordable plans to residents in these areas.

2. Universal Service Fund: The state has a Universal Service Fund (USF) that helps provide discounted telecommunications services to low-income individuals or households who may not be able to afford regular rates. This fund also supports broadband infrastructure development in underserved areas of the state.

3. Public-private partnerships: Alaska has partnered with private companies to expand broadband infrastructure and improve internet access in underserved regions. These partnerships have helped bring down costs for ISPs and ultimately led to a decrease in prices for consumers.

4. Community-owned networks: Several communities in Alaska have taken matters into their own hands and built community-owned broadband networks, providing affordable internet access to their residents.

5. High-speed internet grants: The state offers grants to ISPs and other organizations that aim to build or enhance high-speed broadband infrastructure in rural areas, further increasing access and affordability for Alaskans living in remote regions.

6. Regulation of ISPs: Unlike many other states, Alaska actively regulates ISPs operating within its borders through the Consumer Protection Office under the Department of Law. This ensures that ISPs are not engaging in unfair pricing practices that could hinder affordability for consumers.

Overall, Alaska’s approach focuses on addressing the challenges posed by its vast geography and largely rural population, while also emphasizing collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to improve internet affordability for all residents.

12. Has the government ofAlaska launched any innovative initiatives to make high-speed broadband more affordable and accessible for all residents?

Yes, the government of Alaska has launched several initiatives to make high-speed broadband more affordable and accessible for all residents.

1. Broadband Task Force: In 2017, then-governor Bill Walker created the Alaska Broadband Task Force to identify barriers to broadband deployment and develop recommendations to improve access in the state. The task force has published several reports with recommendations, including creating a statewide broadband map and providing funding for broadband development.

2. Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program: In 2018, the Alaska legislature established a grant program that provides funding for communities to improve their broadband infrastructure. The program is administered by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development and has awarded grants to 20 communities so far.

3. Alaska Communications Partnership: The government of Alaska partnered with Alaska Communications, a local telecommunications company, in 2019 to provide discounted high-speed internet service to low-income households in rural areas. This pilot program aims to address the affordability barrier for residents in remote parts of the state.

4. Satellite Broadband Program: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government launched a one-year pilot program in June 2020, in collaboration with satellite provider Viasat Inc., to offer low-cost satellite broadband services for eligible households in rural areas with limited internet access.

5. ConnectHome Initiative: The ConnectHome Initiative is a national effort led by HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) that aims to close the digital divide among low-income families living in assisted housing. The initiative was launched in Fairbanks and Nome through partnerships between local housing authorities and broadband providers.

6. E-rate Program: Alaska participates in the federal E-rate program, which provides discounts on telecommunication services and internet access for eligible schools and libraries across the country. This program helps reduce the cost of education-related connectivity expenses for eligible institutions in Alaska.

7. Statewide Broadband Mapping Project: In 2020, the Alaska Communications Partnership (mentioned above) received a grant from the state government to develop a statewide broadband map. The map will help identify underserved and unserved areas and inform future broadband deployment projects.

8. Broadband for Essential Users Program: The State of Alaska has set aside a portion of its federal CARES Act funds to create the Broadband for Essential Users Program, which aims to provide free or subsidized high-speed internet service to critical community locations such as health clinics, schools, and local fire stations across the state.

9. Improvements in Fiber Infrastructure: The state government has made significant investments in improving broadband infrastructure by providing grants, loans, and tax credits to telecommunication companies willing to expand their fiber networks into remote areas of Alaska.

10. Digital Literacy Programs: To increase digital inclusion and promote digital literacy among residents, the state government has funded several programs that provide training on using technology and internet resources. These initiatives include supporting libraries in providing digital literacy courses and funding STEM education programs in rural communities.

Overall, these initiatives aim to reduce barriers associated with high-speed broadband adoption and make it more accessible for all Alaskans.

13. Do rural areas in Alaska have equal access to affordable internet services as urban areas do?

No, rural areas in Alaska do not have equal access to affordable internet services as urban areas do. Due to the remote and sparsely populated nature of many rural areas in Alaska, it can be more expensive for internet service providers to establish infrastructure and provide services. This can result in limited options for rural residents and higher prices for internet services compared to those in urban areas. In some cases, rural areas may also lack access to high-speed internet or may rely on slower satellite or wireless connections. Efforts are being made by the government and private companies to improve internet access in rural areas, but there is still a disparity between rural and urban areas in terms of cost and quality of internet services.

14. What role do community organizations play in advocating for more affordable internet options within the state of Alaska?

Community organizations play a crucial role in advocating for more affordable internet options within the state of Alaska. They can serve as a voice for marginalized communities and advocate for policies and initiatives that promote equitable access to affordable internet services.

Some ways in which community organizations can advocate for more affordable internet options in Alaska include:

1. Raising Awareness: Community organizations can educate and raise awareness about the importance of affordable internet access and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. This can be done through campaigns, events, workshops, and social media outreach.

2. Collaborating with Local Governments: Community organizations can work closely with local governments to push for policies that promote affordable internet options. This could include advocating for tax incentives or subsidies for broadband providers that offer low-cost plans or pushing for regulations that prevent price gouging.

3. Mobilizing Communities: By mobilizing communities and creating a united front, community organizations can put pressure on internet service providers (ISPs) to offer more affordable options. This could involve organizing petitions, rallies, or boycotts to demand better pricing from ISPs.

4. Conducting Research: Community organizations can conduct research on the current state of affordability of broadband services in Alaska and use this data to inform policy recommendations and advocacy efforts.

5. Providing Resources: Some community organizations may have the resources to provide low-income households with devices such as computers or tablets, as well as training on how to use them to access the internet. This can increase digital literacy and help bridge the digital divide.

6. Partnering with ISPs: Finally, community organizations can partner with ISPs to negotiate discounted rates or advocate for special programs such as low-income plans or device subsidy programs. They can also collaborate on initiatives like building public Wi-Fi hotspots in underserved areas.

Overall, community organizations play a critical role in advocating for more affordable internet options within the state of Alaska by bringing attention to the issue and working towards tangible solutions that benefit all members of the community.

15. Are there any tax credits or incentives available to ISPs in exchange for offering lower-cost, high-speed internet services in Alaska?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) offers a variety of Universal Service programs that provide funding for high-speed internet infrastructure in underserved areas, including remote and rural regions in Alaska. These programs include the Connect America Fund, which supports the deployment of broadband to unserved areas, and the Lifeline program, which provides discounted phone and internet services to low-income households.

In addition, some states offer tax credits or incentives to ISPs that invest in broadband infrastructure in specific regions. For example, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) offers a Rural Broadband Support Grant program that may provide matching funds for projects that increase access to broadband in rural communities.

It is also possible for ISPs to receive tax benefits through participation in federal Opportunity Zones or state enterprise zones if their services are offered in eligible areas designated as economically distressed.

Overall, there are various federal and state programs and incentives available to promote investment in high-speed internet infrastructure and expand access to affordable services. ISPs should research these opportunities and determine which are most applicable to their business goals.

16. How transparent is the government of Alaska’s decision-making process when it comes to allocating funds towards improving internet affordability?

The government of Alaska’s decision-making process when it comes to allocating funds towards improving internet affordability is fairly transparent. The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) manages the state’s broadband initiatives and regularly publishes reports on the status of broadband development in the state. These reports include information on current projects, funding allocations, and progress towards achieving universal affordable broadband access.

Additionally, the state has established a Broadband Task Force which meets regularly to discuss broadband issues and make recommendations for improving affordability. The task force includes representatives from government agencies, telecommunication companies, and community organizations.

The DCCED also encourages public input through surveys and public meetings when making decisions about allocating funds for broadband projects. This allows for transparency in the decision-making process and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered.

However, some critics argue that the government could do more to increase transparency by providing more detailed information on specific funding allocations and how they align with overall broadband goals. They also suggest more opportunities for public comment and involvement in the decision-making process.

Overall, while there is room for improvement, the government of Alaska generally provides a transparent decision-making process when it comes to allocating funds towards improving internet affordability.

17. What strategies has Alaska employed to promote digital equity and ensure that all residents have access to affordable internet?

1. Statewide Broadband Initiative: In 2013, Alaska passed the Alaska Wireless Broadband Deployment Act which established a statewide broadband initiative to increase access to affordable high-speed internet services.

2. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC): ANTHC provides secure and affordable telecommunication infrastructure and services to tribal communities in rural Alaska, promoting digital equity and increasing access to health care, education, and economic opportunities.

3. Public-Private Partnerships: Alaska has partnered with private organizations such as GCI, AT&T, and Verizon to expand broadband coverage in underserved areas of the state.

4. Anchorage School District: The Anchorage School District has implemented a One-to-One Technology Initiative which provides all students with a school-issued device and internet access, bridging the digital divide for low-income families.

5. ConnectHomeUSA: Alaska joined the ConnectHomeUSA program in 2017, which aims to connect low-income households with affordable internet services and provide digital literacy training.

6. Telecommunications Information Council (TIC): TIC is a state-funded agency that distributes grants for broadband infrastructure development projects in rural areas of the state.

7. Digital Literacy Programs: The State Library offers free digital literacy programs for residents to learn basic computer skills and online safety practices.

8. Lifeline Program: Residents who qualify for federal assistance programs such as SNAP or Medicaid are eligible for discounted landline or wireless phone service through the Lifeline program.

9. Mobile Internet Carts: The Governor Office of Information Technology provides mobile internet carts equipped with laptops, mobile hotspots, and technical support for schools, libraries, community centers, and other public facilities without internet access.

10. Community Resource Centers: Across rural Alaska, community resource centers offer free or low-cost computer access and training on how to use different software applications.

11. Satellite Internet Grants Program: The Alaska Department of Commerce offers grants for satellite internet services in remote areas of the state without access to wired broadband.

12. Broadband Task Force: In 2017, Alaska established a Broadband Task Force to develop strategies for improving broadband infrastructure and services in rural communities.

13. Telehealth Services: Alaska has implemented telehealth programs like AKNet, providing video conferencing and other telecommunication tools for health care providers to reach patients in remote areas.

14. Digital Information System for Alaska: The University of Alaska has developed a digital mapping tool that provides information on broadband availability and speeds, helping identify underserved or unserved areas of the state.

15. Tax Incentives: The State offers tax incentives for businesses that invest in broadband infrastructure development in rural and underserved areas.

16. Wi-Fi Hotspots: Many public spaces like parks, airports, and government buildings offer free Wi-Fi hotspots to increase internet accessibility.

17. Rural Roundtable Meetings: The Alaskan Department of Commerce holds annual roundtable meetings with stakeholders from rural communities to discuss barriers to reliable internet services and ways to promote digital equity.

18. Does the state government in Alaska work closely with local municipalities to implement targeted programs for improving internet affordability?

Yes, the state government in Alaska does work closely with local municipalities to implement targeted programs for improving internet affordability. One example is the Alaska Universal Service Fund (AUSF), which works with and provides funding for local telecommunications providers to expand broadband infrastructure and access throughout the state. The AUSF also offers a subsidy program for low-income households to help make internet services more affordable. Additionally, the state government has partnered with various communities and nonprofit organizations to provide grants and other forms of assistance for improving internet access and affordability in underserved areas.

19. How does the state ofAlaska compare to neighboring states in terms of promoting and achieving widespread internet affordability?

Alaska is widely considered to have one of the highest levels of internet affordability in the United States, surpassing many neighboring states in terms of promoting and achieving widespread affordability. This is largely due to the state’s unique geographical challenges and rural population, which have led to government efforts focused on increasing broadband access and affordability for all Alaskans.

Compared to its neighboring states, such as Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, Alaska generally has lower internet prices and higher broadband speeds. According to a 2020 report by BroadbandNow, the average cost for a standalone internet plan in Alaska is $55.36 per month, compared to Washington’s average of $64.22 per month and Oregon’s average of $58.37 per month.

In terms of broadband speeds, Alaska also outperforms its neighboring states. A 2018 report by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) found that Alaska had an average download speed of 38 megabits per second (Mbps), compared to Washington’s average speed of 31 Mbps and Oregon’s average speed of 32 Mbps.

The state government has implemented various initiatives and programs aimed at promoting internet affordability and accessibility across Alaska. These include the Alaska Federal Broadband Grant Program, which provides funding for infrastructure projects that improve high-speed internet access in underserved areas; the Alaska Universal Service Fund, which helps subsidize telecommunications services for low-income residents; and the ConnectHome program, which offers affordable high-speed internet connections to public housing residents.

Overall, while there is always room for improvement, Alaska has made significant progress in promoting and achieving widespread internet affordability compared to its neighboring states.

20. Are there long-term plans in place in Alaska to address the issue of rising internet costs and make high-speed internet accessible for all residents?

Yes, there are several long-term plans in place in Alaska to address the issue of rising internet costs and make high-speed internet accessible for all residents. These include:

1. Alaska Broadband Task Force: The Alaska Broadband Task Force was created in 2018 with the goal of improving broadband infrastructure and accessibility throughout the state. The task force is responsible for developing a statewide broadband plan, identifying funding opportunities, and promoting collaboration between local governments, private providers, and other stakeholders.

2. Alaska Communications Plan: In 2020, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development released the Alaska Communications Plan, which outlines strategies to improve broadband access and affordability across the state.

3. Connect Alaska Initiative: This initiative aims to bring high-speed internet to underserved areas of the state through public-private partnerships, grants, and loans. It also includes programs to increase digital literacy and adoption among residents.

4. Rural Alaska Broadband Enterprise Fund: The Rural Alaska Broadband Enterprise Fund provides grants to organizations seeking to develop or improve broadband infrastructure in rural Alaskan communities.

5. GCI’s TERRA project: GCI, one of the largest telecommunications companies in Alaska, has invested over $300 million in its TERRA project (Terrestrial for Every Rural Region in Alaska). This project aims to provide high-speed internet access to over 45 remote communities across western and northern Alaska.

6. Partnerships with satellite providers: To reach remote areas that are not covered by traditional wired networks, providers like HughesNet and ViaSat have partnered with local telecommunications companies in Alaska to offer satellite-based internet services at more affordable rates.

Overall, these long-term plans demonstrate a commitment from both government agencies and private companies to improve internet accessibility and affordability for all Alaskan residents.