AK SB175

Establishes the Alaska Internet Access Authority within the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, governed by a nine-member board including six governor-appointed members and representatives from state agencies and the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.

Authority shall develop a broadband deployment plan updated every two years, coordinate funding for technology initiatives, and create an internet cost equalization program with goals of local dial-up access from every telephone exchange within one year and statewide high-speed internet at similar rural and urban prices within five years.

Authority required to submit semi-annual state of the network reports to the governor and legislature for the first five years, then annual reports thereafter.

Establishes the 13-member Alaska Broadband Task Force in the legislative branch to identify broadband access barriers, determine current service levels, explore delivery methods, and submit initial findings by December 31, 2009 and final recommendations by February 1, 2010, with the task force terminating March 1, 2010.

Act takes effect July 1, 2009.