Alaska has received final approval for over $629 million in federal funding under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment programme, bringing its total BEAD allocation to more than $1 billion. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved the state's proposal to expand high-speed internet access across Alaska. The funding, managed through the Alaska Broadband Grant Program, represents the largest broadband investment in the state's history. Projects will deploy a mix of fibre, wireless, satellite and hybrid technologies to connect 46,192 homes and small businesses. The BEAD programme, established under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, mandates minimum broadband speeds of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload to unserved and underserved communities. Alaska faces particularly complex connectivity challenges due to its terrain and remoteness.

Telecom news: Alaska Communications, Mobileum, MWC 2026, TeraSignal. March 18, 2026 Today's telecom news includes announcements on Alaska Communications, Mobileum, MWC 2026, TeraSignal, among others. Alaska Goes Gigabit: $124 mn Boost Supercharges Statewide Broadband Expansion Digital service tax Alaska Communications is expanding its high-speed broadband network across Alaska with support from a $124 million grant under the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The initiative will deploy fiber and next-generation fixed wireless infrastructure to connect over 9,000 unserved and underserved locations, while additional private investment will extend coverage to another 12,000 sites. The expansion will deliver up to gigabit speeds to multiple communities, improving connectivity for homes, businesses, healthcare, and education. From Data to Dollars: Mobileum Unveils "Signal to Value" Vision at MWC Barcelona 2026 Mobileum showcased its "Signal to Value" strategy at MWC Barcelona 2026, focusing on helping telecom operators transform network data into actionable insights and revenue opportunities. The company highlighted its Active Intelligence Platform with AI-driven capabilities for roaming optimization, fraud and risk management, and autonomous network assurance. Key innovations include agentic AI for rapid threat detection, API-based monetization of roaming intelligence, and advanced AI-powered network testing and analytics. Mobileum also introduced a white-labeled AI assistant platform aimed at enabling enterprise services and enhancing operational efficiency. Revolutionizing AI Networks: TeraSignal Launches Industry's First Intelligent 200G+ Copper Redriver TeraSignal has introduced the industry's first intelligent redriver, the TS5802, designed to enhance 200G+ copper interconnect performance in AI and data center networks. Built on its TSAFE analog front-end architecture, the CMOS-based device integrates advanced equalization and CMIS-based link training to automatically optimize signal quality and reliability. It improves link margin, extends reach, and reduces bit error rates, addressing growing challenges such as noise and signal loss at higher data speeds. SHAFANA FAZAL Discover more Mobile service plans ZTE Huawei Waystream Network security solutions

Alaska Communications has secured over $124 million in BEAD programme funding to deploy fibre and fixed wireless broadband infrastructure across the state. The funding will help serve 9,000 unserved and underserved locations in remote areas. The company will supplement the federal grant with its own capital investment to extend broadband services to an additional 12,000 locations. The expansion will deliver gigabit speeds to multiple communities, including Anchorage and Fairbanks. Alaska Communications plans to work with local communities during construction planning to ensure broadband solutions support education, healthcare and economic development. The project aims to enhance internet access for families, students, healthcare providers and businesses across Alaska's remote regions.