News
A grant-funded project will provide broadband service to four tribal communities on Alaska’s Kodiak Island.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Installation of a middle mile subsea fiber optic cable will provide high-speed internet to four tribal communities.
The subsea route, which will run for 155 miles, will travel around the Eastern coast of Kodiak Island, according to Alaska Communications.
The Alaska-based internet service provider hopes the network will serve as a basis for future expansions.
Project Nunapet
The project, named Project Nunapet, involves a collaborative effort between Alaska Communications and Old Harbor Native Corporation, a joint release dated Jan. 21 stated.
“The Nunapet Project will fund critical communications infrastructure for remote Kodiak Island communities to improve access, reliability and affordability,” said Kristina Woolston, the CEO of the Old Harbor Native Corporation.
Woolston’s comments continued. She said the project was critical for the needs of youth retention, healthcare access, economic development. Woolston also said it would provide improvements to the overall quality of life.
“Affordability is a critical element of internet access and a necessary condition for economic growth,” the Jan. 21 announcement stated. “Alaska Communications commits to offering its service at the same rates available in urban areas.”
Project Nunapet, funded by a Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 2 grant, will connect almost 600 locations.
Comments from Paul Fenaroli, the president and CEO of Alaska Communications, also discussed the need for the project in the region.
“Despite Alaska’s stunning landscapes, a significant digital divide has left many residents without internet access, and this inequity has disproportionately affected Alaska Native people,” Fenaroli said. “Affordable high-speed internet has been a long-desired goal for the rural communities of Kodiak Island, and we’re honored to work with Old Harbor Native Corporation to realize this goal.”
Ouzinkie, Narrow Cape, Old Harbor, and Akhiok were all listed as communities that will be impacted by the project.
Additionally, the route will connect to a fiber landing station in Hormer, the release said.
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