Alaska's rural internet fund faces new questions about who pays for upgrades

The US communications regulator is asking for public comment on a petition to change how a fund for rural internet in Alaska works. This could shift who pays for upgrading internet infrastructure in the state.

The Alaska Connect Fund helps pay for internet in remote parts of Alaska, where it is expensive to build and maintain. The current rules require companies to pay into the fund based on their revenue. This petition asks to change that, potentially making it easier for some companies to avoid paying for upgrades, or shifting the burden to others. It could slow down or speed up internet improvements for thousands of people.