Rural internet bill approved by Alaska Senate; Gov. Dunleavy plans to sign it

Sen. Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel, speaks in support of a measure intended to increase internet download speeds for rural Alaska schools. House Bill 193 passed the Senate on an 18-1 vote in Juneau on Monday, March 25, 2024.

”Many schools throughout Alaska still lack the capacity to execute standard tests required by state statutes, and without disruption,” said Bethel Democratic Sen. Lyman Hoffman in support of the bill. Supporters say faster internet for rural Alaska students is an equity issue. It would allow for the same access to education as students receive in urban Alaska, they said.The cost of the bill is disputed. The state Education Department estimated that it would cost almost $40 million per year. But industry experts say the department’s estimate is flawed. The true cost to the state is likely closer to $15 million annually, according to members of the Alaska Telecom Association.

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