Repairs to GCI’s damaged fiber cable in the Aleutians are expected to be completed within the next two weeks.
GCI spokesperson Josh Edge said in an email Friday that the telecommunications company expects a repair ship to be on site and complete repairs in seven to 14 days.
GCI’s fiber cable was damaged recently, cutting the company’s wireless and internet access across the Aleutian Chain, from Chignik Bay to Unalaska.
Edge said GCI teams confirmed the location of the issue offshore near Chignik Bay but didn’t say what caused the damage. He said internet service has been restored at a limited level through backup satellite networks to all affected communities.
“Wireless calling, texting, and limited mobile data services have now been restored across all impacted communities, including Akutan, Chignik Bay, False Pass, King Cove, Perryville, and Unalaska,” Edge said.
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He added that Sand Point’s internet service had also been affected and was brought back online. The community’s cellular service isn’t connected to GCI’s fiber cable.
The company’s backup network includes a mix of geosynchronous and low-Earth orbit satellite providers. Edge said speeds will be slower than normal GCI fiber speeds due to capacity constraints.
Technical crews will continue working to improve customers’ experience until permanent repairs are finished, he said.
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