Bethel Native Corporation (BNC) and GCI, a telecommunications subsidiary of Liberty Broadband Corporation (Nasdaq: LBRDA, LBRDK, LBRDP), are bringing fiber-optic internet options to Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
The project will bring affordability as well as two gigabit internet speeds to more than 10,000 Alaskans and truly take aim at the digital divide. The partners announced over $73 million in broadbrand grants courtesy of the National Telecommunications and Informational Administration (NTIA), Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) and USDA’s Rural Utilities Service ReConnect program.
“I was a big supporter of these projects and am thrilled about this announcement. These types of infrastructure projects are some of the most important investments in Alaska today. These projects will finally bring high-speed, affordable internet to homes, businesses, schools, and health care facilities. High-speed broadband service will attract more investment in Alaska; it will grow our economy. Most importantly, it will create more job opportunities for our youth in the communities where they live,” said Mike Dunleavy, Alaska’s governor.
The Bethel Native Corporation engage in multiple different sectors, including government contracting, logistical support, environmental remediation, construction and commercial real-estate. It has business operations in Bethel, Anchorage and the lower 48. GCI is an Alaska-based telecommunications company that provides data, mobile, video and managed services to more than 200 communities. It also includes the government, business and consumer cohorts. GCI brought 1 gig and 2 gig internet to Alaska, and its first standard’s based 5G NR service.
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Bethel Native Corporation and the Digital Divide
The Bethel Native Corporation received a $42 million grant from the NTIA to build a fiber network to Bethel, Platinum, Eek, Napaskiak and Oscarville. It also includes:
- A 405-mile network starting in Dillingham, which follows a submarine route to the mouth of the Kuskokwim River, and then transitions to an overland route to Bethel.
- GCI will construct and operate the fiber network as BNC’s subgrantee partner.
- GCI will upgrade its existing cable plant in Bethel and deploy fiber-to-the-premises local access networks in the four other communities.
- Consumers will get 2 gig consumer broadband service plans including unlimited data and affordable prices. Customers who qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program will be eligible for free internet service.
- The Bethel fiber project will connect in Dillingham to another NTIA-funded fiber put together by Nushagak Telephone. This connects to an USDA RUS-funded fiber network that connects to Anchorage. By leveraging other federal investment, BNC and GCI are using every NTIA Bethel grant dollar in the most efficient way possible.
The two companies named the new project, the Airraq Network. Aiiraq is a tradititional Yup’ik game similar to cat’s cradle, and means ‘string that tells the story.’
“The residents of the 10 grant communities are now looking forward to faster speeds, more data and having much more affordable plans in the coming years. The people of the Y-K Delta are resourceful, respectful and resilient. We have a strong sense of community, and we depend upon collaboration with our friends and neighbors to be successful. We know the value of presence, and that is why I have so much confidence in this partnership between BNC and GCI and our collective commitment to deliver this service together,” said Ana Hoffman, BNC president and CEO.
The service is scheduled to launch in Bethel at the end of 2024.
