Governor Mike Dunleavy signed a piece of legislation into law, which establishes the Office of Broadband, creating the broadband parity adjustment fund, and establishing the Statewide Broadband Advisory Board. House Bill 363 carries out previous recommendations made by the governor’s Task Force on Broadband, which was established under an administrative order.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $116 million has been awarded to Alaska to improve high-speed internet access in rural communities. HB 363 allows the state to get federal funds, which prioritize broadband service expansion. The state will focus on expanding the service in unserved areas, underserved areas, and anchor institutions.
The bill signing ceremony took place at the Alaska Broadband Summit + Workshop hosted by Alaska’s U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, the State of Alaska, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Alaska Municipal League (AML), and the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN).
According to the Office of Gov. Dunleavy, his administrative orders in May 2021 established the Task Force on Broadband to address the growing need for reliable, high-speed connectivity for all Alaskans. A final report was issued from the task force, which included recommendations to the governor last fall with key points being reflected in House Bill 363.
Alaskans interested in serving on the Statewide Broadband Advisory Board can apply online here or call the Boards and Commissions Office at (907) 269 – 7450.