Fastwyre scores $70 Million in USDA grants to expand fiber in Alaska

Fastwyre Broadband is aiming to expand fiber access in Western Alaska, with the help of two new US Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants totaling nearly $70 million. The funds came from the USDA’s recent round of ReConnect Round Four awards, in which the agency dished out $714 million to cover 33 buildouts in 19 states. In Fastwyre’s case, it’s using the money to deliver fiber to around 3,000 people and 75 businesses in several communities across Alaska’s Nome Census Area. Construction is expected to start later in 2023. In Alaska, Fastwyre provides service to more than 18,000 consumers and businesses across 23 markets, said Chief Strategy Officer Jim Patterson. Patterson said Fastwyre is “committed to strategic growth objectives that include opportunities for organic expansion and acquisition initiatives.”