Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters during a news conference on topics including education on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)
The Senate passed HB193 Monday, following House passage last week. Dunleavy, on social media, said while the bill "is not perfect and there is additional need for more work on the affordability of broadband in Alaska, this is a step in the right direction. The increased internet speed will help schools’ educational process, especially in rural Alaska."
There is disagreement over the program's cost. The state education department estimates it would cost nearly $40 million per year but members of the Alaska Telecom Association say the cost to the state is likely closer to $15 million a year. Federal grants typically match state funds 8 to 1.
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Last year, 151 schools received $6.6 million in state funding for up to 25 mbps download speeds.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/alaska-increase-grants-download-speeds-rural-schools