FCC Tweaks Alaska Internet Fund Rules for Better 5G Connectivity
Published Date: 12/10/2025
Rule
Summary
The FCC is updating rules for the Alaska Connect Fund to make sure money is used wisely to bring faster 5G internet to people living and traveling in Alaska. These changes, effective January 9, 2026, clarify how the program works and better match its goals. Companies like GCI Communications will see some rule tweaks that help improve service and support in Alaska’s unique communities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Clear 5G / 4G Deployment Goals
Mobile providers must submit performance plans by September 1, 2026 and are expected to upgrade single-support areas to 5G-NR at 35/3 Mbps where technically and financially feasible by December 31, 2034, and to extend duplicate-support areas to 4G LTE at 5/1 Mbps by December 31, 2029. Performance plans are to be based on Broadband Data Collection (BDC) availability data as of December 31, 2024.
Delay and Limits on Ineligibility Enforcement
WTB will not determine a provider's ACF eligibility for Alaska Plan noncompliance until after the 12-month cure period ends on December 31, 2027; WTB may notify ineligibility by December 15, 2028, with reasonable extensions not to go beyond July 1, 2029. USAC recoveries for missed Alaska Plan commitments remain at 1.89 times per equivalent person, and WTB will reserve ACF ineligibility findings for providers with more than de minimis noncompliance (threshold to be determined by WTB).
ACF Support Extended Through 2034
The Alaska Connect Fund (ACF) will provide ongoing, certain support to mobile wireless providers who participated in the Alaska Plan and opt into the ACF through the end of 2034. The rule confirmed continuation of support for those providers and the ACF framework that runs through December 31, 2034.
Case-by-Case Lower-Tech Exceptions
The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) may approve lower-technology commitments than the ACF minimum on a case-by-case basis, but providers must demonstrate why 5G-NR at 35/3 Mbps (single-support) or 4G at 5/1 Mbps (duplicate-support) is not technically or financially feasible. If WTB approves a lower technology, the provider must annually certify, by census tract, the basis for that exception on FCC Form 481.
Untestable Areas Excluded From Support
Hex-9 areas that are permanently untestable are ineligible for ACF support, while areas that are only temporarily untestable remain eligible; any hex-9 with a Broadband Serviceable Location (BSL) is defined as accessible. Speed testing for eligibility will use outdoor/stationary datasets.
Eligible/Duplicate Areas Locked to 12/31/2024 Data
All ineligible areas (including permanently untestable hex-9s) and duplicate-support areas for the ACF will be determined and fixed using Broadband Data Collection availability data as of December 31, 2024; single-support areas may change over time and duplicate-support areas could become single-support after December 31, 2029.
Backhaul Capacity Considered in Plans
WTB will consider available middle-mile/backhaul capacity (fiber, microwave, satellite) when negotiating individualized performance plans, and may accept lesser commitments where justified, but the ACF will not adopt a blanket lower standard for microwave backhaul. WTB can consider backhaul limitations and middle-mile mapping data during negotiations.
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Key Dates
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