Every Alaskan, as part of their quality of life, will have the digital tools, access, and skills to affordably participate online, wherever they are.
- Alaska's Digital Equity Steering Committee
Rural Alaskans in the Bristol Bay Region
DIGITAL INCLUSION IN RURAL ALASKA
Obstacles identified included the astronomical cost of service, the cost of data overages, lack of affordable devices, lack of options for repairing devices if they break, unreliable service and negative mental health, and corresponding education, economic, social, and cultural impacts. Rural Alaska access and affordability conditions are incredibly difficult to overcome and will constitute a large part of the state’s success as it relates to digital equity, as they are improved. At the same time, many of the other covered populations are embedded in rural Alaska, further complicating outcomes.
One village leader explained that since the State of Alaska moved many applications for official documents and services online, it is difficult to apply for state services.
“The state and federal agencies act as if we are all already connected. We are not, and we are trying to keep up and we can’t. Everything is published electronically: public notices, shore leases, reporting, job applications; many residents don’t have computers or the internet. We will be in the ice age when we get everyone connected.”
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The ACP is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
A household is eligible for ACP if you, or your child or dependent are enrolled in government programs (ie: Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, or others) or based on your household income.
If you enroll, you will receive: Service discount of $75/month Device discount of up to $100 for a qualifying device.
Click on the button below to see if you meet the program requirements.
COLLABORATION with Igiugig Village CounciL
Igiugig Village Council, on behalf of SALMONet, will work with tribes in focused planning groups, and hire a contractor(s) to begin developing the Plan, which will include:
- Digital Equity Needs Assessment – what are the gaps in digital connectivity in your community?
- Asset Inventory – what resources, programs, and strategies currently exist to promote digital equity? How can they be improved?
- Implementation Strategy – for achieving more affordable, accessible connectivity – what can be done to ensure your community has equitable access to the internet, devices, digital skills, and technical support?
Planning for how additional funding (future grant funds) will be used to promote digital equity. The resulting Digital Equity Plan will be a key foundation to understanding what our region’s priorities are and will guide applications and increase our competitiveness for upcoming funding opportunities.