Fairbanks – Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks) will host a constituent workshop Saturday focused on efforts to build a better broadband network in the Fairbanks area.
Today, the Governor announced a special session that will begin on October 23rd. It will focus on revenue and criminal justice reform. Though seemingly unrelated, the recent rise of criminal activity in Alaska is a direct consequence of the fiscal crisis.
Fairbanks – The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) has opened a public process to gather information about broadband internet service in Alaska, including current and future projects. The RCA will use the voluntary information for a report to the Alaska Legislature. The effort to examine the availability of broadband internet in Alaska is the result of intent language inserted into the FY 2018 budget at the behest of House Finance Committee member Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks).
Fairbanks – Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks) will unveil a proposal to bring high-speed internet to the entire Fairbanks area during a constituent meeting Thursday evening.
Juneau – The University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of the Arctic are holding a forum early next week focused on broadband infrastructure and access in the Arctic. The Arctic Broadband Forum is being held in conjunction with the Week of the Arctic to celebrate the accomplishments of the Arctic Council under the chairmanship of the United States. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will turn over the chairmanship of the council to Finland during the bi-annual Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting May 10th and 11th in Fairbanks.
Juneau – Today, Representative Harriet Drummond (D-Anchorage) introduced legislation to prohibit certain telecommunications and internet service providers from collecting personal information without express written approval from the customer. House Bill 230 will help customers know how their personal data is being used and will give people a chance to opt out of that data collection.
