Alaska Communications pushes broadband to more residents via broadband wireless
Alaska Communications (ACS) is again on the broadband expansion trail, enhancing service in Juneau and Soldotna.
Although ACS advocates fiber-based broadband, the latest expansion will leverage broadband wireless to deliver up to 300 Mbps speeds to residents in Juneau and Soldotna.
The new service, starting at just $84.99/month, includes professional installation by IBEW Local 1547 technicians and is backed by the provider’s in-state technical support and customer service resources.
Drew Stevenson, senior management consultant at Alaska Communications, said wireless broadband is the best solution for this rollout.
“Fiber is the gold standard, but we’re always focused on using the right technologies, like fiber-fed fixed wireless, which can be better for certain areas,” said Stevenson. “We’re excited to give Alaskans more options for connecting their homes and businesses.”
Fiber focus continues
This new network expansion may use fixed wireless, but ACS remains an aggressive fiber broadband player.
In August, ACS secured a new five-year $390 million credit facility. The provider said the funds would repay existing debt and further invest in expanding its fiber infrastructure across the state.
It is developing a network that spans 9,100 miles of fiber, connecting business and wholesale customers throughout the state.
During the past two years, ACS has deployed fiber to the home (FTTH) to about 10,000 homes in Fairbanks and Anchorage and built fiber to a multi-dwelling unit in downtown Juneau.
The company has plans to extend its critical infrastructure further to enhance connectivity in Alaska.
“Fiber is often referred to as future proof because it can handle speeds in the 100s of Gigabits,” said Stevenson. “Residents don’t need those speeds today, but our fiber network can grow with Alaskans’ needs.”
Focus on rural, tribal areas
Another key focus for ACS is extending broadband to unserved and underserved areas and tribal communities in the state.
Since 2017, ACS has deployed high-speed internet to close to 30,000 unserved or underserved locations through the FCC’s CAF II program.
These communities include Delta Junction, Fairbanks, Nenana, North Pole, Salcha, Nikiski, Anchor Point, Homer, Soldotna and Ninilchik.
In tribal communities, ACS is a partner in the Alaska FiberOptic Project, a collaboration to bring broadband connectivity across rural Alaska.
The project aims to provide broadband in up to 21 unserved communities along the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers to deliver improved education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and quality of life.
ACS has recently secured funding to connect 15 villages with gigabit speeds.
Terrestrial construction began this summer along the Dalton/Elliot Highway and in the Fort Yukon, Stevens Village, and Beaver communities. This work precedes next summer’s work to lay fiber in the Yukon River.
For related articles, visit the Broadband Topic Center.
For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.
To stay abreast of fiber network deployments, subscribe to Lightwave’s Service Providers and Datacom/Data Center newsletters.
Sean Buckley
Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategies of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report across their websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products.