Senator Murkowski tells FCC the reforms "Sound Wonderful on Paper."

At a hearing of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs yesterday, Senator Murkowski brought her concerns to light with FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn questioning whether reforms meant to help small rural telecommunication companies maintain service in Alaska truly address their unique needs or leave them “feeling on the ropes” and financially threatened.

Senator Murkowski pointed out in her opening remarks that Alaskans face logistical challenges shared by no other state. She also cited how Alaskans are beginning to benefit from the “critical lifeline” presented by opportunities like telemedicine, where patients can teleconference across vast distances to get a diagnosis or medical advice.

Senator Murkowski questioned FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn (clip two) about whether reforms involving existing loans to small telecommunications companies may hinder their ability to pay them off and put their entire business model in question. Clyburn admitted that there were “significant concerns” and “frustration,” but the FCC is attempting to make their policies more flexible through a waiver process that many in Alaska reportedly find expensive and burdensome.

At the end of her statement, Senator Murkoski reponded by saying, “I think it sounds wonderful on paper. I’m not convinced and I don’t think our small [telecommunications companies] in Alaska are convinced that this waiver process will be there and what you are proposing will be adequate to their needs.”