I work for the Alutiiq Museum and Archeological Repository in Kodiak. I am currently working with the National Digital Inclusion Alliance to help the remote communities of the Kodiak Archipelago realize digital inclusion. I see that you are the chair of the Senate Standing Education Committee and recently held a presentation on increasing broadband access and capacity for rural areas. I would like to know what is being done to help the rural communities on Kodiak. I would also like to inform you of some of the initiates that I am working towards.
As you know the only available internet services to most rural communities is through satellite. This is a very expensive way to access the internet and it does not technically qualify as broadband (25 Mbps.) Most of the HughesNet Consumer/ Small Business HX Satellite locations are broadcasting at 5 Mbps due to the cost to upgrade the infrastructure for our area. I believe that the school itself has faster internet access with the SchoolAccess program through GCI. The cost of this service is certainly beyond the means of most families and small businesses. …show more content…
Our society has become very dependent on computers to be competitive in the marketplace. This includes higher education through online classes, networking on social media, searching and applying for jobs and, computer based online jobs. In addition communities can also utilize broadband connections for health care and to coordinate in the event of a natural disaster. This is why addressing digital inclusion holistically is the best course of action for the rural communities of