FCC subsidies to expand rural broadband and cell service

A new plan will extend high-speed broadband and cell service in rural areas. (Photo by Ed Schoenfeld)
More Alaskans will have affordable access to mobile phones and broadband internet, thanks to a change in federal communication rules and funding.
Rural communities throughout the United States benefit from what’s called the Universal Service Fund, which subsidizes expansion of and improvements to telecommunication systems.
It also keeps costs in small communities closer to those in bi