Alaska Opens Broadband Inquiry
The Regulatory Commission of Alaska opened an informational docket and has requested certain information from broadband service providers, entities that own or control networks capable of carrying broadband traffic, and interested persons regarding Alaska’s current broadband coverage, providers’ planned coverage expansions, and gaps in broadband infrastructure and financing. It also provided a draft map of middle-mile facilities and seeks comment on its accuracy. The inquiry was opened as a result of recent legislation requiring the Commission to provide the legislature with analysis of broadband coverage and provider’s planned expansions in the state, as well as a description of the remaining gaps in statewide broadband infrastructure and financing. Among other things, the Commission is asking providers to give it a list of communities where broadband service is currently available, including speed, network design, and pricing information. Comments are due September 8, 2017.
Kansas Opts In to FirstNet
Governor Brownback announced his decision to accept the FirstNet plan to deliver a wireless broadband network to the state’s public safety community. “This initiative positions Kansas to provide state-of-the-art emergency communication services to the benefit of our residents, businesses and visitors,” said Gov. Brownback. “Our first responders need to quickly and securely coordinate efforts during an emergency, and FirstNet will help ensure that they have the tools they need to safeguard our state. This effort will also bring welcome broadband service enhancements to many rural parts of our state, including tribal lands and those areas most recently affected by wildfires this spring.”
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The Regulatory Mix, TMI’s daily blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of a TMI Briefing.