The Alaska Spur lands in Seward and terminates in Anchorage. The remainder of the state does not have fiber optic connectivity to the lower 48 states. When Alaska United is constructed, fiber optic capacity will immediately multiply five times. This can be increased up to 22 times the current capacity by adding shore-based electronic equipment. Additionally, Alaska United will extend fiber capacity to Fairbanks via Valdez, and to Juneau.
Fiber optics is the preferred method of carrying voice, video and data communications.
It allows for optimization of transmission equipment because of its lack of delay found in satellite connections. Its superior information carrying capacity enables the deployment of bandwidth hungry applications. Fiber optic cables also are totally insensitive to electromagnetic interference and offer a secure link because of their immunity to eavesdropping. In addition, Alaska United will eventually enhance GCI s cable television services by creating the capacity necessary to offer Alaska programming, rather than lower 48 satellite feeds. For government, education and military users, broadband applications with security, equipment redundancy and route diversity can be achieved for the first time.