Connectivity in Alaska has focused on high profile mega projects. GCI https://www.gci.com headquartered in the state through their Alaska Plan buildout, are working to close the digital divide.
The company has helped about 27,500 Alaskans this year benefit from GCI’s internet and wireless network projects that have improved service in 17 rural communities.
GCI provides data, mobile, video, voice and managed services to consumers, business, government and carrier customers throughout Alaska serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested more than $3 billion in their Alaska network and facilities over the past 40 years. Recently, GCI launched true standards-based 5G NR service in Anchorage, now the nation’s northernmost 5G service area.
After years of planning and preparation, the GCI’s AU Aleutians Fiber Project has started. Over the next two years, GCI will deploy subsea fiber systems to some of the nation’s most remote communities.
The AU-Aleutians Fiber Project will run approximately 800 miles from Kodiak along the south side of the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutians to Unalaska. By the time groundwork in Unalaska is completed, crews will have installed more than 529,000 feet of conduit on the island, which will ensure that fiber-optic connectivity will be available in homes and businesses throughout the community in late 2022.
The AU-Aleutians Fiber Project is expected to cost $58 million. GCI was awarded a $25 million grant from USDA’s ReConnect program and will invest $33 million of their own capital to pay for project costs not covered by the ReConnect grant.
Go to https://www.gci.com/about/Alaska-plan for more information about GCI’s Alaska Plan investment.