Sitka, Alaska, is experiencing a prolonged internet outage due to an underwater fiber break. On Labor Day, GCI, the primary internet provider, acknowledged the delay and requested customers’ patience, ensuring that teams work diligently to restore services.
GCI has successfully implemented alternative technologies to restore basic mobile voice and text services. However, mobile data, internet, and Yukon TV services remain unavailable. A fiber repair ship is en route to the site, with an expected arrival by week’s end. The repair timeline is estimated to be up to six days, depending on the situation’s complexity and any unforeseen challenges.
Alaska Communications is actively working to establish a solution, having deployed a limited satellite backhaul. GCI and Alaska Communications have restored partial internet services, but their teams are still working to improve connectivity, which remains slow. The company advises users to limit online activities to essential functions only, ensuring optimal network performance.
The Sitka Public Library closed on Monday for Labor Day, has informed patrons that its network cannot support high-bandwidth activities. The library’s operating hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Technicians are working tirelessly to resolve the issue. They urge residents to remain patient. The repair process is intricate, requiring careful attention. Meanwhile, alternative measures are in place to provide limited connectivity. These measures ensure minimal disruption to the community. Teams are working diligently to restore all services as quickly as possible.
This news story was originally published by Alaska News Source.
