Alaska Communications Extends Safety Net to Alaskans Impacted by Pandemic

Rhea-AI Summary

Alaska Communications (NASDAQ: ALSK) joins the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, providing financial relief to Alaskan households impacted by COVID-19. Eligible households can receive up to $75 monthly off their broadband service, aiding those facing economic hardship. Applications begin on May 12, 2021. The initiative highlights the critical role of broadband in education, work, and healthcare during the pandemic. As a participating provider, Alaska Communications will be reimbursed for qualifying services, ensuring that access to essential internet services is improved for underserved communities.

Positive

• Participation in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will enhance customer access to essential broadband services.
• Eligible households can receive discounts of up to $75 per month, alleviating financial burdens.

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• None.

Help is on the way for Alaskans struggling to afford broadband. Alaska Communications (NASDAQ: ALSK) will participate in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which will help households struggling financially during the pandemic.

The Federal Communications Commission recently established the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program using COVID-19 relief funds.

The program will give eligible Alaska households a discount on broadband service of up to $75 a month.

“The pandemic demonstrated just how essential broadband access is for school, work, healthcare and quality of life,” said Bill Bishop, president and CEO of Alaska Communications. “We’re proud to offer our customers an affordable option for unlimited internet service; however, we don’t want a customer’s ability to pay to be the barrier. We’re proud to participate in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which will help reduce the financial burden on Alaskans.”

As a participating provider, the company will receive reimbursement for delivering qualifying broadband services to eligible households.

A household is eligible if one member of the household: qualifies for the Lifeline program, receives government assistance such as free and reduce-priced school lunch or a Pell Grant, or experienced a substantial loss of income due to the pandemic.

Applications for the program open May 12, 2021.

Learn more at www.AlaskaCommunications.com/EBB.

About Alaska Communications

Alaska Communications (NASDAQ: ALSK) is the leading provider of advanced broadband and managed IT services for businesses and consumers in Alaska. The company operates a highly reliable, advanced statewide data network with the latest technology and the most diverse undersea fiber optic system connecting Alaska to the contiguous U.S. For more information, visit www.AlaskaCommunications.com or www.alsk.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210511005039/en/

FAQ

What is the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program related to ALSK?

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program offers financial assistance for broadband services to eligible households, with discounts of up to $75 per month.

When can Alaskans apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?

Applications for the program open on May 12, 2021.

How does Alaska Communications support the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?

Alaska Communications will provide qualifying broadband services and receive reimbursement for these services under the program.

Who is eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?

Eligibility includes households with members qualifying for Lifeline, receiving government assistance, or experiencing income loss due to the pandemic.