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Old Harbor Native Corporation and Alaska Communications Will Build Advanced Broadband Network Serving Tribal Communities on Kodiak Island
Project includes subsea fiber middle mile network and last mile delivery KODIAK, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Alaskans in four Tribal communities on Kodiak
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[{"type":"text","content":"\nProject includes subsea fiber middle mile network and last mile delivery\n\n\n KODIAK, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nAlaskans in four Tribal communities on Kodiak Island will receive lifechanging broadband service, thanks to a Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 2 grant funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).\n\nThis press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250121174861/en/The community of Old Harbor. Photo courtesy of Old Harbor Native Corporation.\nThe collaboration, named Project Nunapet, between Old Harbor Native Corporation and Alaska Communications will install a middle mile subsea fiber optic cable from Homer to Kodiak Island. It will also deploy a last-mile fiber network offering Gigabit speeds to the Tribal communities of Old Harbor, Chiniak, Akhiok and Womens Bay, serving 570 homes.\n\n\nNunapet is an Alutiiq word meaning “our lands” and serves as a reminder of the connection Alutiiq people have to the land and sea. Old Harbor Native Corporation chose this name because it represents how the fiber optic cable will connect people to each other via the land and sea, a sacred connection they have shared for time immemorial.\n\n\nIn the Kodiak Archipelago, traditional Alutiiq culture and language thrive, despite challenges like declining population and economic opportunities. The reliable, affordable, high-speed connectivity delivered through this project will serve as the foundation for education, healthcare, economic growth and quality of life.\n\n\nIn addition to eliminating the digital divide for residents in these communities, Project Nunapet paves the way for substantial broadband service improvements throughout the Kodiak Archipelago region.\n\n\nThe network will serve as the basis for local expansion and improved network redundancy. Connecting with Alaska Communications’ fiber landing station in Homer, the subsea route will consist of 155 miles of subsea middle mile fiber, making landfall in Ouzinkie. From Ouzinkie, the subsea cable will travel around the eastern coast of Kodiak Island, landing in Narrow Cape, Old Harbor and Akhiok.\n\n\nAffordability is a critical element of internet access and a necessary condition for economic growth. Alaska Communications commits to offering its service at the same rate...