GCI Acquires Quintillion, Subsea Fiber

Anchorage’s Arctic Fiber Dream Returns, Powered by Local Hands

After a winding journey involving a Washington D.C. investment firm, Anchorage’s ambitious vision for a global fiber optic network is back on track, thanks to a significant acquisition by GCI – our own local telecommunications giant.

For those of you in Eagle River, Midtown, or downtown, this means a potentially stronger and more reliable internet connection for years to come. GCI has officially acquired Quintillion, the Alaskan company that previously attempted to build a groundbreaking subsea cable connecting Asia to Europe via the Alaskan Arctic. The deal, valued at $310 million, includes Quintillion’s existing 1,800 miles of fiber – a vital network stretching across Northern Alaska – and plans for an additional 1,500 miles of expansion. This project, initially spearheaded by Quintillion, aimed to create a resilient, Arctic-ready connection, utilizing a three-phase subsea cable system that would eventually link Asia to the Pacific Northwest and Western Europe through the Northwest Passage.

What This Means for Anchorage
This acquisition is a huge win for Anchorage and the entire state. It secures a critical piece of infrastructure that could dramatically improve internet speeds and reliability, particularly in rural and remote communities like Hooper Bay and Shishmaref, where access to high-speed connectivity is often limited. Furthermore, it strengthens Alaska’s position as a leader in innovative technology and demonstrates confidence in our state’s ability to support complex, challenging projects. The potential for economic growth, spurred by improved connectivity, will benefit businesses and residents alike.

Local Context
Alaska’s unique geography – vast distances, challenging weather, and the presence of the Northwest Passage – makes building and maintaining infrastructure incredibly complex. Quintillion’s initial efforts highlighted this, demonstrating the need for specialized expertise and a long-term commitment. Our Native communities, many of whom rely on subsistence hunting and fishing and increasingly depend on internet access for communication and resource management, will benefit from a more robust and dependable network. The military presence in Alaska, particularly Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, also relies heavily on secure and reliable communication, further emphasizing the strategic importance of this project.

What to Know
Anchorage residents can expect to see continued investment in the network over the next few years. GCI will be reimbursing Quintillion up to $50 million for capital expenditures related to the ambitious Nome-to-Homer Express project, a key component of the overall expansion. You can stay informed about the project’s progress through GCI’s website and local news outlets.

Closing
As Alaskans, we’re proud of our spirit of innovation and our ability to tackle ambitious challenges. This return of Quintillion to Alaskan management is a testament to that spirit, and a reminder that even in the most remote corners of the world, Anchorage can lead the way. Let’s continue to support local businesses and initiatives that strengthen our community and connect us to the world.