Technology

High-speed connectivity will soon be available to residential homes and businesses, bringing with it a whole host of benefits. According to GCI officials, once the project is completed, residents will be able to enjoy lightning-fast 2.5 gig internet speeds, unlimited data, and the same plans and pricing as customers in Anchorage. This news was shared with the community through engaging and informative meetings held in both Kivalina and Deering. GCI's Chief Communications Officer, Heather Handyside, emphasized the advantages of the fiber-optic service, including faster speeds and more affordable plans. Enoch Adams, a resident of Kivalina, expressed his support for the project, highlighting the current challenges faced with sluggish and unreliable internet in the village. Adams believes that the fiber project will bring about positive change by offering faster and, hopefully, cheaper connectivity. The project got underway in August with the connection of Kivalina and Deering to Kotzebue's existing fiber-optic

infrastructure. Over 170 miles of subsea fiber were successfully deployed to facilitate this project. Shelter structures, acting as connection points between the subsea fiber and local network infrastructure, have been installed in both communities. GCI Principal Program Manager Rebecca Markley provided insights into the progress, mentioning that crews are currently carrying out electrical work at the shelter locations. This will pave the way for the installation of network equipment in anticipation of local buildouts in Kivalina and Deering next year. GCI has set its sights on 2024 for the installation of fiber to homes and businesses. While Kivalina experiences severe storms annually, Handyside assures residents that the fiber-optic service is designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions. She acknowledged that incidents can occur but stressed that GCI employs special armoring of the cable and sea floor trenching to minimize risks. Additionally, the company ensures backup networks are in place, such as satellite services, to guarantee uninterrupted connectivity during adverse situations. The importance of investing in diverse telecommunications networks and backup systems cannot be overstated. Handyside emphasized the need for provider investment in redundancy, especially in light of past incidents. GCI understands this well and is committed to delivering the best, fastest, and most reliable technology in the form of fiber optic. The company is also actively working on expanding fiber optic coverage to other areas, including Unalaska and 12 communities in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula, and Kodiak Island. Furthermore, GCI has partnered with the Bethel Native Corporation to extend urban-level connectivity to 13 communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. This project marks an exciting chapter in the quest for high-speed internet across Alaska's remote communities. With over $100 million in federal grants allocated for the Bethel region alone, these efforts will undoubtedly transform the lives of villagers by empowering them with the connectivity needed for the modern world.