Investing in America: Alaska Gears Up for Broadband Expansion
The Biden-Harris administration is significantly bolstering high-speed Internet access in Alaska, a monumental step toward closing the digital divide under their ‘Investing in America’ agenda.
“What this announcement means for people across the country is that if you don’t have access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet service now – you will, thanks to President Biden and his commitment to investing in America,”
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
The Role of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program in Alaska
This investment stems from the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. Alaska has been allocated $1,017,139,672.42 to run grant programs locally, potentially sparking job creation and sustainable economic growth.
Transforming Alaska’s Digital Landscape and Economy
The funds will facilitate broader connection to the digital economy, enhance local fiber-optic cable production, and stimulate employment through the construction of Internet infrastructure.
High-Speed Internet: An Essential Service in Today’s Alaska
According to Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator, “High-speed Internet is a necessity in today’s society.” This substantial investment underscores the commitment of the Biden-Harris administration to ensure Internet access across every community in Alaska.
Breakdown of Alaska’s BEAD Funding
Alaska will receive $1,017,139,672.42 from the BEAD program. This funding will be instrumental in deploying or upgrading broadband networks, securing access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service for all Alaskans.
The Long-Term Effect: A Boost in Alaskan Society and Economy
This investment is poised to set a new trajectory of economic and social advancement in Alaska for years ahead. By operating on the principles of long-termism, the Biden-Harris administration’s approach not only presents immediate benefits but also a vision for a more connected and prosperous Alaska.
State allocations and funding details
In total $42.45 billion in funds will be allocated to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories.
A detailed list of funding allocations for each state, D.C., and the territories can be found on InternetForAll.Gov.
Here’s how it breaks down:
| State/Territory | Allocation Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,401,221,901.77 |
| Alaska | $1,017,139,672.42 |
| Arizona | $993,112,231.37 |
| Arkansas | $1,024,303,993.86 |
| California | $1,864,136,508.93 |
| Colorado | $826,522,650.41 |
| Connecticut | $144,180,792.71 |
| Delaware | $107,748,384.66 |
| District of Columbia | $100,694,786.93 |
| Florida | $1,169,947,392.70 |
| Georgia | $1,307,214,371.30 |
| Hawaii | $149,484,493.57 |
| Idaho | $583,256,249.88 |
| Illinois | $1,040,420,751.50 |
| Indiana | $868,109,929.79 |
| Iowa | $415,331,313.00 |
| Kansas | $451,725,998.15 |
| Kentucky | $1,086,172,536.86 |
| Louisiana | $1,355,554,552.94 |
| Maine | $271,977,723.07 |
| Maryland | $267,738,400.71 |
| Massachusetts | $147,422,464.39 |
| Michigan | $1,559,362,479.29 |
| Minnesota | $651,839,368.20 |
| Mississippi | $1,203,561,563.05 |
| Missouri | $1,736,302,708.39 |
| Montana | $628,973,798.59 |
| Nebraska | $405,281,070.41 |
| Nevada | $416,666,229.74 |
| New Hampshire | $196,560,278.97 |
| New Jersey | $263,689,548.65 |
| New Mexico | $675,372,311.86 |
| New York | $664,618,251.49 |
| North Carolina | $1,532,999,481.15 |
| North Dakota | $130,162,815.12 |
| Ohio | $793,688,107.63 |
| Oklahoma | $797,435,691.25 |
| Oregon | $688,914,932.17 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,161,778,272.41 |
| Rhode Island | $108,718,820.75 |
| South Carolina | $551,535,983.05 |
| South Dakota | $207,227,523.92 |
| Tennessee | $813,319,680.22 |
| Texas | $3,312,616,455.45 |
| Utah | $317,399,741.54 |
| Vermont | $228,913,019.08 |
| Virginia | $1,481,489,572.87 |
| Washington | $1,227,742,066.30 |
| West Virginia | $1,210,800,969.85 |
| Wisconsin | $1,055,823,573.71 |
| Wyoming | $347,877,921.27 |
| American Samoa | $37,564,827.53 |
| Guam | $156,831,733.59 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | $80,796,709.02 |
| Puerto Rico | $334,614,151.70 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | $27,103,240.86 |
