U.S. fiber optic provider Fastwyre Broadband has been awarded two grants totaling nearly $70 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to upgrade Internet access in western Alaska by expanding its fiber optic network.
The expansion project is expected to benefit approximately 3,000 people and more than 75 businesses in several communities within the Nome Census Area. Fastwyre (formerly known as TelAlaska) is expected to begin construction later this year.
The provider's fiber optic backbone is designed to transform the economic landscape and quality of life in underserved communities. The USDA funding allocation was part of a recent federal grant allocation announcement that allocated $714 million for high-speed Internet investments in 19 states. Fastwyre also continues to work on completing two grant-funded projects in Alaska to provide fiber-centric solutions to the communities of Teller, Brevig Mission and Port Lions.
Fastwyre is grateful for the federal government's support to improve and increase access to the fastest Internet services through our fiber optic network, driving our continued efforts to close Alaska's digital divide," said Fastwyre CEO Chris Eldredge. We have a long track record of working with Alaskan communities and we look forward to further contributing to this important enhancement of the state's digital communications infrastructure."
