Alaska Receives $629 Million for Broadband Expansion, Totaling Over $1 Billion in Federal Funding

Washington, DC – March 10, 2026 – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) have announced the approval of Alaska’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This approval includes more than $629 million in initial deployment awards to expand broadband access across the state, bringing the total federal investment in Alaska’s broadband infrastructure to over $1 billion.

Bridging the Digital Divide in Alaska

These investments aim to narrow the digital divide in unserved and underserved communities and expand the economic opportunities that reliable internet connectivity provides to Alaskans. The funding will support 29 broadband deployment projects carried out by 15 providers across Alaska, utilizing a mix of fiber, wireless, satellite, and hybrid technologies.

These projects are expected to bring high-speed internet service to more than 46,000 homes and small businesses throughout the state.

Senator Reactions

“For a state as vast and geographically diverse as Alaska, broadband access is not a luxury—it’s essential infrastructure,” said Senator Murkowski. “This investment will help connect more of our rural and remote communities to reliable, high-speed internet, opening the door to expanded economic opportunities, improved access to telehealth and education, and stronger connections between families and communities. I appreciate NTIA’s recognition of the importance of the BEAD program to our state and its efforts to ensure that we are able to maximize this initiative so that every Alaskan is connected.”

Senator Sullivan emphasized the importance of the bipartisan infrastructure bill in addressing Alaska’s unique connectivity challenges. “As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, the lack of Internet access in so many Alaskan communities was a driving force behind my work to ensure that the broadband provisions of the bipartisan infrastructure bill focused on the truly unserved, my work on improving Alaska’s broadband maps, and my relentless advocacy for Alaska with various federal officials who I have brought to see Alaska’s unique challenges,” he stated. “These funds will go a long way toward the goal of connecting every Alaskan, which will unlock possibilities of expanded telehealth, education and small business opportunities. Importantly, it will better allow Alaskans to connect with one another. I thank NTIA for working closely with Senator Murkowski and me to ensure that our unique geography was taken into account when determining this award.”

NTIA’s Perspective

“Congratulations to the State of Alaska on the approval of its BEAD Final Proposal, which will enable universal broadband availability across the state although safeguarding taxpayer dollars,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. “The Benefit of the Bargain rules ensured that each state and territory’s unique geography, terrain, and topography are accounted for when determining which technology solutions make the most sense to provide connectivity. No state presents more unique and formidable connectivity challenges than Alaska, and I commend the state broadband office for its tremendous work in bringing this Final Proposal over the finish line.”

Background: The BEAD Program and IIJA

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program was established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to fund broadband expansion in unserved and underserved areas across the country. Alaska received a total BEAD allocation of more than $1.017 billion to support broadband infrastructure investments statewide. (Source: Senator Murkowski’s Office)

Funding is initially directed toward deploying broadband infrastructure to unserved locations, followed by underserved areas and eligible community anchor institutions. The initial $629 million in deployment awards will fund projects utilizing a variety of technologies.

NTIA is expected to provide additional guidance on the use of remaining BEAD funds later this month. Senators Murkowski and Sullivan are actively working with NTIA to ensure Alaska can utilize its entire allocation to continue modernizing its telecommunications infrastructure.