Alaska’s governor said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski didn’t seem to heed...

in the U.S. “Any reduction in current USF levels of support would reduce these services, increase local access charges which are already the highest in the nation and, in some cases, would likely jeopardize basic services in our most rural communities,” Sean Parnell (R) wrote last week. “I have written to you directly on several occasions and submitted official comments since USF reform was first proposed. Yet, still, it would appear that my message has not reached you and your staff.” He’s “dismayed” to hear the draft proposal the agency is considering would “slash annual USF high cost support to Alaska over the next five years by as much as 70 percent,” or up to $160 million, Parnell wrote. The USF sends Alaska about $200 million yearly, more support per line than any state, an FCC spokesman said Friday. “The current system funds multiple carriers in urban areas in Alaska, like Anchorage, yet other areas in remote areas of Alaska go unserved by broadband or mobile services. We will continue to work with all affected stakeholders in Alaska in the short-term and long-term to find fiscally responsible solutions that provide carriers in Alaska with the certainty needed -- and explicit support necessary -- to invest in broadband and mobile services to all Alaskans.” Parnell’s Oct. 17 letter was posted in docket 10-90 on Thursday (http://xrl.us/bmgpm6). Alaska cable operators like GCI and telcos have sought a separate plan for the state, as FCC members are scheduled to vote this week on a USF and intercarrier compensation order (CD Oct 20 p18).