Alaska Power & Telephone Expands Southeast Alaska Broadband with SEALink South Completion
Alaska Power & Telephone Company (AP&T) has finished its SEALink South submarine fiber optic cable project—marking a major milestone in expanding high-speed broadband access across southeast Alaska.
SEALink South: Completed Ahead of Schedule
The AP&T team finished SEALink South one year ahead of schedule, showing their strong commitment to improving regional connectivity. This new network segment links Ketchikan, Hollis, and Coffman Cove through a high-capacity submarine cable, beachfront landings, and terrestrial facilities.
Partnering with Norddeutsche Seekabelwerke and Prysmian Group
Norddeutsche Seekabelwerke, a subsidiary of the Prysmian Group, supplied the submarine cable for SEALink South, strengthening its long-standing partnership with AP&T. Notably, the company also provided the cable for the original SEALink project, which established the first-ever fiber optic connection to continental North America.
That earlier effort covered 214 miles between Prince of Wales Island and Juneau, with an overland section crossing Mitkof Island and the community of Petersburg. It was supported by a $21.5 million USDA Rural Utility Services grant and $7 million in AP&T matching funds. Impressively, AP&T completed that project two years ahead of schedule.
Boosting Connectivity and Network Resilience
The SEALink South project adds 101 miles of submarine fiber optic cable throughout Alaska’s Alexander Archipelago. This addition creates a fiber “ring” around Prince of Wales Island, which greatly improves routing diversity and overall network reliability. Moreover, it enhances bandwidth for both residents and local businesses. The project received a $29.3 million USDA ReConnect grant, along with AP&T’s additional investment.
Supporting Alaska’s Broadband Future
Beyond meeting AP&T’s rural service goals, SEALink provides network transport resources to other carriers. It also helps indigenous and tribal groups expand broadband access in their communities—partnerships that have supported SEALink since its start.
For more information on AP&T’s broadband initiatives, visit www.aptalaska.com.