Fastwyre Broadband announced it has been awarded two U.S. Department of Agriculture grants totaling nearly $70 million to significantly upgrade the internet access in Western Alaska by connecting communities to a fiber optic network. The expansion project is expected to benefit an estimated 3,000 people and over 75 businesses in several communities within the Nome Census Area.
Fastwyre, formerly known as TelAlaska, expects to begin network construction later this year. Fastwyre’s says its fiber network will enable Alaskan residents and businesses to take advantage of digital advancements in data transmission, virtual video conferencing, e-commerce, remote learning, entertainment, and telehealth.
“Fastwyre is grateful for the federal support to fuel our continued efforts to shrink the digital divide in Alaska by improving and increasing access to the fastest internet service available through our fiber-optic network,” says Chris Eldredge, Fastwyre CEO. “We have a long track record of partnering with communities in Alaska, and we look forward to further contributing to essential enhancements to the state’s digital communications infrastructure.”
Fastwyre continues pursuing growth opportunities through grants to provide internet connectivity to unserved and underserved communities across the United States. The company’s USDA’s funding allotments are part of a recent federal grant allocation announcement, which distributed $714 million for high-speed internet investments in 19 states. Additionally, Fastwyre is working to complete two grant-funded projects in Alaska that provide fiber-centric solutions to the communities of Teller, Brevig Mission and Port Lions.
American Broadband Holding Company dba Fastwyre Broadband is a provider of broadband services – internet, phone, video – to customers in Alaska, Alabama, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas. Fastwyre Broadband is a portfolio company of Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC, a private equity firm based in Chicago, and Catania ABC Partners.
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