REGULATORY COMMISSION OF ALASKA RELEASES GRANT APPLICATION GUIDE FOR THE FOURTH ROUND OF THE RURAL ALASKA BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS PROGRAM

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) announces the release of the grant application guide for the fourth round of the Rural Alaska Broadband Internet Access Grant Program (Program).  The purpose of the Program is to facilitate long-term affordable broadband Internet services in rural Alaska communities where these services do not currently exist.  The RCA will administer the Program that is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development.

The RCA is now requesting proposals from telecommunications carriers and cable operators interested in receiving a grant under this program.  The Program provides funding for projects that (1) establish common carrier facilities and services which will expand broadband Internet service into rural areas of Alaska currently without broadband Internet service, and (2) continue to provide broadband Internet service to the residents of these communities at affordable rates comparable to those paid by residents of Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.

The Grant Application Guide is now available on the RCA website at http://rca.alaska.gov/RCAWeb/Documents/Broadband/Round4GrantApplicationGuide.pdf  The deadline for filing the application is on October 31, 2008.  Questions regarding the application process should be directed to RCA Staff, Rich Gazaway or Jess Manaois, at (907) 276-6222.


Date Issued: 9/19/2008