Eight GCI technicians will work in Fairbanks and Anchorage throughout the weekend to changeover all lines to the new fiber optic cable. Little to no impact on services should be noticed when the switchover to fiber occurs. Traffic between Fairbanks and Anchorage will be connected to GCI's newly constructed fiber optic cable connecting Anchorage and Juneau to Seattle. The main portion of the cable is expected to become fully operational within the next week. Inc. From Valdez the cable runs undersea to Whittier, and terrestrially into Anchorage.
Fiber optics is the preferred transmission technology for Internet, video, voice and data traffic.
Residential users will notice the absence of delay commonly found in satellite-based telephone calls, and should experience faster throughput speeds on Internet and data applications. Businesses will have greater access to bandwidth intensive services such as PC-video conferencing, enhanced video services, distance education and telemedicine. Tyco Submarine Systems completed construction of the subsea portion of the cable earlier this month and is currently conducting acceptance tests to ensure optimal performance of the entire line.