Primary Benefits
Broadband service allows for the transmission of voice, data, and media services into homes and businesses at much faster speeds than dial‐up. Multiple
applications can run simultaneously, software, music, and video downloads
occur in seconds rather than hours, and businesses can take advantage of real‐time twoway
teleconferencing.
Broadband in schools, universities, and libraries supports distance
learning, research, and real‐time video instruction. In hospitals, doctors’ offices, and
community clinics, broadband can facilitate remote medical consultations, patient care,
and resource sharing, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to receive
medical care. Federal, state, and local governments use broadband to provide e-government
services to citizens.
The Northern Fiber Link will provide high-speed broadband service to the largest un-served geographic area in the United States, and meets the objectives of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program in The American Resource and Recovery Act by directly involving nearly 6,000 jobs across the U.S. in 23 states.
The communities in this region are isolated by geography and weather and are the most remote communities in the United States. Unemployment ranges up to 90 percent and the poverty rate is as high as 50 percent. The economy is primarily dependent upon federal and state jobs.
The Northern Fiber Link will transform the infrastructure of the region by improving delivery of education, health care and public safety services; the exchange of scientific information, and operations of the federal agencies in commerce, natural resources and national security.
For the first time ever the region’s medical clinics, hospitals, remote university campuses, schools, and public safety offices will have access to high-speed broadband telecommunications services.
Investing in the Future
Capacity will be made available by KKCC to telecommunications carriers on a competitively neutral, non-monopoly basis.