Alaska United East (AU-East)

Overview

The Alaska United East (AU-East) submarine cable system is a domestic telecommunications link operating entirely within the United States. Spanning 3,751 kilometers, it connects key locations in Alaska to the contiguous United States, providing critical infrastructure for voice, data, and video services. The cable serves as a vital communication artery for Alaska’s coastal communities, linking them to the broader telecommunications networks of the Pacific Northwest. Since its launch in 1999, AU-East has played a significant role in bridging the geographic and technological divide between Alaska and the lower 48 states.

AU-East is designed to address the unique challenges posed by Alaska’s rugged terrain and remote locations. By utilizing a submarine route, the system bypasses the logistical difficulties of overland cabling in a region characterized by mountains, fjords, and vast wilderness. Its domestic focus contrasts with the transoceanic scope of many other submarine cables, emphasizing its role as a regional connector within U.S. waters.

Route and Landings

The AU-East cable connects four landing points: three in Alaska and one in Washington State. In Alaska, the cable serves Juneau, Valdez, and Whittier, three communities strategically located along the state’s southern coastline. Juneau, the state capital, lies in the southeast panhandle and is accessible only by air or sea, making reliable telecommunications infrastructure essential. Valdez and Whittier are situated in the Prince William Sound region, an area known for its fjords and glacial landscapes, where terrestrial connectivity is limited by challenging geography.

On the contiguous U.S. mainland, the cable terminates in Lynnwood, Washington, a city located near Seattle. This landing point connects the AU-East system to the extensive telecommunications infrastructure of the Pacific Northwest, enabling data traffic to flow seamlessly between Alaska and the rest of the United States. The route crosses the Gulf of Alaska and navigates the complex underwater topography of the region, including deep basins and tectonic features, to deliver reliable connectivity.

Ownership and History

The AU-East cable is owned and operated by GCI Communication Corp, an Alaskan telecommunications company specializing in services for the state’s unique needs. As the sole owner, GCI has maintained the system since it became operational in 1999. The company’s ownership reflects a commitment to providing tailored solutions for Alaska’s isolated communities, where traditional overland infrastructure is often impractical or impossible to deploy.

The cable’s commissioning in 1999 marked a significant milestone in Alaska’s telecommunications history, offering a robust and reliable alternative to satellite-based systems. Over its more than two decades of operation, AU-East has supported the growing demand for high-speed internet, voice communication, and data services in Alaska, ensuring the state remains connected to the rest of the country despite its remote location and challenging environment.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring of the AU-East cable indicates consistent performance over its operational lifespan. The system has demonstrated resilience in the face of the harsh environmental conditions of the Gulf of Alaska, including strong currents, seismic activity, and extreme weather. The cable’s design and routing take these challenges into account, ensuring minimal disruptions to service.

Probes along the route confirm that the cable continues to meet the needs of its users, providing stable and high-capacity connectivity. The system’s importance is underscored by its role in supporting emergency communications and enabling economic activities in Alaska’s remote coastal regions. By linking communities like Juneau, Valdez, and Whittier to Lynnwood, AU-East ensures that even the most isolated parts of Alaska remain connected to the national and global networks, fostering both social and economic integration.