AVI Broadband is helping close Alaska’s rural digital gap by bringing reliable, high-speed internet to schools, clinics, and homes that need it most. Keeping internet affordable is a priority. We offer clear pricing and subsidies to lower costs, along with hands-on digital skills training so students, patients, and small businesses can make the most of their new connections.
Round One
AVI is working to expand broadband access to roughly 2,800 underserved households across 14 remote Alaska Native villages currently lacking adequate internet connectivity, which will be achieved via satellite connectivity.
The program reduces cost burdens, enabling higher broadband adoption in villages. Subsidizing satellite internet subscription fees for families and businesses after go-live makes broadband more affordable.
Fostering greater digital equity helps bridge the digital divide for rural tribal areas lacking connectivity. Expanding broadband provides access to digital resources for social services, healthcare, education, and jobs.
Round 2
AVI serves as a community leader representing numerous villages across Alaska. This NTIA-funded initiative aims to establish a holistic digital equity program throughout rural Alaska directed to AVI’s membership unless already considered served. The program focuses on six core areas:
Basic Digital Literacy
E-commerce
Remote Work Opportunities
Online Skills Training
Cultural and Language Revitalization
Cybersecurity Training
digital navigators
AVI’s Digital Navigator program provides one‑on‑one and small‑group support to help residents in rural Alaska villages get online and build essential digital skills. Starting with each person’s goals, Navigators help residents secure home internet and reliable devices; set up email accounts, secure passwords, and key logins (telehealth portals, MyAlaska/benefits, school platforms, local credit unions); and develop skills for resumes and job applications, telemedicine, online learning, banking, and e‑commerce. Participants leave with an internet plan that fits local infrastructure, an up‑to‑date device, and the confidence to handle everyday online tasks.
Services are offered at trusted sites—tribal halls, clinics, libraries, and schools—and are tailored to local needs, schedules, and seasons. Navigators connect residents to AVI Studios (our online learning and resource hub designed for broadband access and downloadable lessons) for online workforce programs, small‑business resources, and additional software training co‑designed with input from the village.
Training
Alaska Village Initiatives (AVI) is bringing new opportunities to our villages through high-speed internet and digital training. We understand the challenges our communities face with internet access, and we’re here to help our people connect while honoring our traditional ways.