Alaska United Turnagain Arm (AUTA): A Short Submarine Cable in Alaska
The Alaska United Turnagain Arm (AUTA) is a submarine cable system owned by GCI Communication Corp, connecting
McHugh Point and
Portage in the United States. With a length of just 53 kilometers, it is one of the shortest submarine cables in operation, designed to traverse the Turnagain Arm waterway in Alaska. Listed as in service since 2012, AUTA facilitates communications in a geographically challenging region, although its technical specifications, such as design capacity, fiber pairs, and supplier details, are not publicly disclosed.
What makes AUTA notable is its role in Alaska's telecommunications infrastructure, connecting communities in a state where rugged terrain and remote locations often complicate terrestrial network deployments. However, the cable's limited length and lack of disclosed technical details leave several aspects of its design and operation uncertain, making it difficult to fully assess its capabilities or strategic importance.
Quick facts
| Name |
Alaska United Turnagain Arm (AUTA) |
| Length |
53 km |
| Ready-for-service year |
2012 (GeoCables database value; no conflicting industry sources identified) |
| Owner |
GCI Communication Corp |
| Status |
In service |
| Design capacity |
Not disclosed |
| Fiber pairs |
Not disclosed |
| Supplier |
Not disclosed |
| Technology |
Not disclosed |
| Landing points |
McHugh Point (United States); Portage (United States) |
| Latency (computed) |
One-way ≈ 0.3 ms; RTT floor ≈ 0.5 ms |
Route
The AUTA cable connects McHugh Point and Portage, two locations along the Turnagain Arm in south-central Alaska. This corridor is characterized by fjord-like geography, with steep mountains and tidal flats that make terrestrial infrastructure challenging. Submarine cables like AUTA provide a reliable alternative for telecommunications in such areas, bypassing the difficulties posed by the rugged terrain.
Why it was built and what it carries
AUTA was built to enhance connectivity in Alaska, a state where geographical isolation and harsh weather conditions often hinder terrestrial network expansion. By linking McHugh Point and Portage across the Turnagain Arm, the cable likely supports both residential and business communications, as well as critical services such as internet access and data transfer. While its exact design capacity is not disclosed, AUTA is part of GCI Communication Corp's broader efforts to improve telecommunications infrastructure in Alaska.
History: what can be established
The GeoCables database records AUTA's ready-for-service year as 2012, with no conflicting dates identified in publicly available industry sources. This suggests the cable has been operational for over a decade, providing reliable service to the region. However, details about its construction, including the supplier and specific technological choices, remain undisclosed, limiting the ability to analyze its historical development in greater detail.
Capacity and technology
Publicly available information does not disclose AUTA's design capacity, fiber pair count, or the technology used in its construction. Without operator documentation or independent verification, attributing specific capabilities to the cable would be speculative. Given its short length, it is reasonable to assume that AUTA is designed for relatively straightforward data transmission needs, but the absence of technical details precludes a definitive assessment.
Latency: the physics
Theoretical latency calculations for AUTA indicate a one-way light propagation time of approximately 0.3 milliseconds over its 53-kilometer length, with a round-trip time (RTT) floor of about 0.5 milliseconds. These values represent the physical limits of signal travel in fiber, assuming optimal conditions and speeds between 200,000 and 204,000 kilometers per second. Real-world latency, however, would be higher due to additional factors such as terminal equipment processing, routing, and land-based network segments. No live latency measurements are currently available for this cable.
Redundancy: what happens if it breaks
In the event of a failure, redundancy for AUTA would depend on alternative routes or systems in GCI Communication Corp's network. While specific alternatives are not listed in the GeoCables database, other submarine cables or terrestrial links in Alaska may provide backup connectivity. Repairing a cable like AUTA would typically involve standard industry practices, including fault localization, mobilization of repair vessels, and cable splicing. Given its short length, repair operations might be relatively swift compared to longer transoceanic systems.
Bottom line
- Alaska United Turnagain Arm (AUTA) is a 53-kilometer submarine cable connecting McHugh Point and Portage in Alaska.
- Owned by GCI Communication Corp, it has been in service since 2012, according to GeoCables data.
- Technical specifications such as design capacity, fiber pairs, and supplier details are not publicly disclosed.
- Theoretical latency is minimal due to the cable's short length, but real-world values would be higher.
- Redundancy and repairs would rely on GCI's broader network and standard industry practices.