Building upon Alaska's Digital Equity Plan

DIGITAL Access

SALMONet’s efforts are closely aligned with Alaska’s Digital Equity Plan, which aims to eliminate barriers to broadband access across the state. By addressing affordability, accessibility, and digital literacy, SALMONet contributes to the plan’s measurable goals, including improved broadband availability, device affordability, and digital skills training. Our community-driven approach complements statewide initiatives to ensure all Alaskans, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, can fully participate in today’s digital economy. Together, we’re working toward a more connected and equitable Alaska.

Alaska's Digital Equity Plan

In partnership with the Igiugig Village Council, SALMONet is leading initiatives that include:

Digital Access Needs Assessment: Identifying gaps in connectivity, device access, and digital literacy within Bristol Bay communities.
Asset Inventory: Mapping current resources, programs, and strategies to determine what’s working and where improvements are needed.
Implementation Strategy: Creating actionable plans for achieving affordable, accessible internet and developing the skills needed for meaningful participation in the digital world.

Our work also includes preparing for future funding opportunities by working with BBNA to support their comprehensive Digital Access Plan, referred to as the Bristol Bay Broadband Implementation Plan. This plan established regional priorities and an Implementation Plan for upcoming grants, strengthening Bristol Bay’s competitiveness in securing resources.

By focusing on community-driven solutions, SALMONet is building the foundation for a connected and empowered Bristol Bay, ensuring all residents have the tools they need to thrive in a modern, digital world.

BBNA's Digital Access Plan

Equity

Digital Equity

digital inclusion

digital literacy

First Mile: The initial segment of the internet infrastructure that connects large data centers to the broader internet. First mile is the backbone of the internet, ensuring that data can travel efficiently across vast distances before reaching more localized networks.

digital literacy

digital inclusion

digital literacy

Middle Mile: The high-capacity broadband infrastructure carrying large amounts of data over long distances. It connects communities to the main backbone but does not connect to the user’s residence.

digital inclusion

Last Mile: This is the final segment of the telecommunications network that delivers internet services to the home through service providers. Last mile is essential because it often determines the speed and reliability of the internet service.

The Digital Equity Act

Passed in 2021 is an important bipartisan step Congress must take to help states, counties, Tribes, and others do more to close this digital divide
Provides $1 billion in Federal grant funding over the next five years to support digital inclusion programs throughout U.S. states and territories
Before states are allowed to access these federal funds, they have to create a plan to make internet access more accessible for all
The Alaska Broadband Office (ABO) wrote a Digital Equity Plan with measurable goals to achieve digital equity in our state

ALASKA's DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN

Aims to address digital inequity by identifying barriers that disrupt access and by stimulating community-driven solutions. The plan establishes measurable goals, or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), that measure progress toward:

Affordable Broadband
Internet Safety
Online Accessibility
Device Affordability
Digital Literacy

State of Alaska Digital Equity Plan

The digital divide affects some populations more than others. Alaska's digital equity efforts will concentrate on highly impacted groups such as:

Low-income Alaskans
Veterans
Alaskans over the age of 60
Incarcerated individuals
Individuals with a language barrier
Individuals with a disability
Racial and ethnic minority groups
Rural Alaskans

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.

See if your Household Meets the Criteria

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.

Building upon Alaska's Digital Equity Plan

DIGITAL Access

Every Alaskan, as part of their quality of life, will have the digital tools, access, and skills to affordably participate online, wherever they are.

Equity

Digital Equity

digital inclusion

digital literacy

digital literacy

digital inclusion

digital literacy

digital inclusion

digital inclusion

digital inclusion

The Digital Equity Act

ALASKA's DIGITAL EQUITY PLAN

Rural Alaskans in the Bristol Bay Region

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

COLLABORATION with Igiugig Village CounciL

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