Alaska Region Technology Interchange Consortium (ARTIC)

The Alaska region is one-fifth the size of the Lower 48 and due to a number of challenging factors, the ability to service the state is restricted based on its sheer size, rugged terrain and extreme environmental conditions. It’s a state where rural communities, local institutions and agencies are vastly underserved by limited broadband access and network services. There are a wide variety and number of independent network initiatives in the state working to improve network and broadband access. 

In an effort to provide a broader awareness of these projects, share ideas and learn where opportunities may exist for partnerships and ways to leverage resources that are or can be shared, an informal and voluntary consortium of members was established in 2022. 

This consortium is called the Alaska Region Technology Interchange Consortium (ARTIC) and consists primarily of federal and state agencies, the science, research and education community, tribal nations  and other non-profit partners that can learn from each other by discussing member network needs, current opportunities and challenges and by highlighting successful network/connectivity projects completed in Alaska.

There is typically an annual meeting hosted in Alaska each year to bring together ARTIC members and other interested parties.

For relevant interested parties, reach out to nwave-communications@noaa.gov to receive more information about this initiative and how to participate in meetings.