Legislation that aims to help bring affordable, high-speed internet to homes across the state passed the senate. House Bill 363, introduced by Rep. Bryce Edgmon, passed the Senate on Tuesday on a 16-2 vote. The bill will make Alaska eligible for federal funds available for broadband investment, while establishing a fund to create parity in internet costs between rural and urban communities.
Sen. Natasha von Imhof (Anchorage) told the Senate floor:
“The availability of broadband or lack thereof directly affects the quality of life for Alaskans because without it, how can a person fully participate in our modern society and in our global economy? A year ago last May Gov. Dunleavy issued Administrative Order #322 to establish the task force on broadband to develop both policy objectives and steps necessary to prepare Alaska for a massive infusion of federal money through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The task force provided recommendations regarding policies, goals, and guidelines for state involvement in broadband infrastructure development. This bill is a result of that effort and is written directly from the task force recommendations that came out last fall as well as aligns with the IIJA federal language.”
This legislation establishes the Office of Broadband, which prioritizes expanding high-quality, affordable broadband access to unserved and underserved communities, as well as anchor institutions. The legislation also creates the Broadband Parity Adjustment Fund, which is designed to temporarily bridge the cost between rural and urban broadband prices. Additionally, the bill would form the Statewide Broadband Advisory Board, made up of industry experts who would help the Office of Broadband engage stakeholders.
Following the passage of the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act, over two billion dollars was made available to states for broadband infrastructure investment, provided they have a broadband office.
HB 363 will now come back to the House of Representatives for a concurrence vote.
Transcribed audio courtesy of KTOO 360TV.