The news comes in a year where access to internet connectivity became critical for its citizens, many of whom are now working and learning from home.
The expansion was funded in part through the Federal Communications Commission Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF II) program.
“The pandemic underscored just how critical the availability of affordable broadband service is for accessing work, education, healthcare and staying connected with friends and family. We’re thankful for federal programs like CAF II, which support rural broadband delivery,” said Bill Bishop (pictured), president and CEO of Alaska Communications.
So far Alaska Communications launched or expanded high-speed service available to homes and businesses in Delta Junction, Fairbanks, Homer, Hope, Kake, Kasilof, Kenai, Ninilchik, North Pole, Soldotna, Sterling and Thorne Bay.
“Under the program, internet speeds are a minimum 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload,” said Bishop. “However, we chose to deliver higher speeds, up to 50Mbps download, 10Mbps upload, whenever possible to deliver additional value to our customers.”
Once complete, the project will be the single largest deployment of affordable broadband under any one program in Alaska.
“We’re excited about what 2021 has in store,” added Bishop. “Network expansions and new technologies we plan to bring to market this year will positively impact thousands of lives in both rural and urban areas of Alaska.”
At the start of the year, US telecoms group ATN International beat private equity investors to buy Alaska Communications for $332 million.
