Broadband grants totaling $41.5 million announced by the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration will benefit the Alaska Federation of Natives, Cape Fox Corp., the Kotzebue IRA and Skagway Traditional Council.
The grants, announced in early May, are provided through NTIA’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, to eligible Native entities for broadband deployment, digital inclusion, workforce development, telehealth, and distance learning.
“Alaska’s geography, terrain, climate, and vast size create significant obstacles to developing broadband infrastructure,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We know the digital divide is especially pronounced across rural Alaska and in Native villages. Yet, broadband is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for modern life, providing access to health care, education, and more.”
AFN received a grant of $35.1 million on behalf of 73 tribes, Alaska Native corporations and tribal entities to reduce barriers to broadband usage among Alaska Natives by providing broadband-enabled devices, subsidizing broadband service, and implementing digital skills and workforce training.
The Cape Fox Corp. received a grant of $1.9 million to develop programs and resources to address systemic and COVID-19 related concerns, building capacity to expand internet adoption activities.
The Kotzebue IRA received a grant of $2.5 million to improve access and use of broadband services for tribal residents, businesses, and community anchor institutions.
The Skagway Traditional Council received a grant of $2 million to create an affordable broadband program that will provide no-cost, high-speed internet service to the remote Skagway Village.
