U.S. fibre provider, Fastwyre Broadband has been awarded two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants totaling almost $70m to upgrade internet access in Western Alaska by expanding its fibre optic network.
The expansion project is expected to benefit an estimated 3,000 people and more than 75 businesses in several communities within the Nome Census Area. Fastwyre, formerly known as TelAlaska, anticipates commencing its construction efforts later this year.
The provider’s fibre backbone was set up to transform the economic landscape and quality of life for underserved communities. The USDA’s funding allotments are part of a recent Federal grant allocation announcement, which distributed $714m for high-speed internet investments in 19 states. Fastwyre also continues to move toward the completion of two grant-funded projects in Alaska that provide fibre-centric solutions to the communities of Teller, Brevig Mission and Port Lions.
Chris Eldredge, CEO of Fastwyre says: “Fastwyre is grateful for the Federal support to fuel our continued efforts to shrink the digital divide in Alaska by improving and increasing access to the fastest internet service available through our fibre-optic network. We have a long track record of partnering with communities in Alaska, and we look forward to further contributing to essential enhancements to the state’s digital communications infrastructure.”
