Alaska's internet and other data transport systems are provided largely through the two major telecommunications companies: GCI and Alaska Communications. GCI owns and operates what it calls the Alaska United Fiber Optic system and as of late <answer>2011</answer> Alaska Communications advertised that it has "two fiber optic paths to the lower 48 and two more across Alaska. In January <answer>2011</answer>, it was reported that a $1 billion project to run connect Asia and rural Alaska was being planned, aided in part by $350 million in stimulus from the federal government.
In what year was a project to connect Asia and rural Alaska announced?
2011