SEALink South

Overview

SEALink South is a submarine cable system spanning 159 kilometers, scheduled to be ready for service in 2024. The system is owned and operated by Alaska Power & Telephone Company Wireless (APTW), a provider specializing in telecommunications for rural and remote areas of Alaska. SEALink South is designed to enhance connectivity between three Alaskan communities: Coffman Cove, Hollis, and Ketchikan. This cable will offer a significant upgrade in telecommunications infrastructure for these areas, addressing the challenges posed by Alaska's vast distances and rugged terrain.

The cable aims to improve internet access, enterprise connectivity, and other telecommunications services, bridging gaps in digital infrastructure within southeastern Alaska. By connecting these communities, SEALink South will play a key role in fostering economic growth and supporting local needs in a region where reliable connectivity has historically been limited.

Route and Landings

SEALink South connects three landing points, all located in southeastern Alaska, United States: Coffman Cove, Hollis, and Ketchikan. This route lies within the Alexander Archipelago, a region characterized by its scattered islands, fjords, and waterways. The cable’s path reflects the need to link remote, coastal communities that are otherwise separated by challenging geography and limited terrestrial infrastructure.

Coffman Cove, a small community on Prince of Wales Island, serves as one of the cable’s endpoints. Hollis, also located on Prince of Wales Island, is a key transit hub for the region due to its ferry terminal connecting the island to Ketchikan on the mainland. Ketchikan, the largest city in the region, is a vital economic and transportation center, making it a logical terminus for the cable. The SEALink South route strategically connects these points, ensuring that smaller communities gain access to the robust telecommunications infrastructure available in Ketchikan.

Ownership and History

SEALink South is owned by Alaska Power & Telephone Company Wireless (APTW), a subsidiary of Alaska Communications Systems Inc. APTW has a long history of serving Alaskan communities, particularly in rural and remote areas where traditional telecommunications infrastructure is often lacking. The company has focused on overcoming the unique challenges posed by Alaska’s geography, including its vast distances, harsh weather, and dispersed population centers.

The SEALink South project reflects APTW’s commitment to improving connectivity in southeastern Alaska. By investing in submarine cable technology, the company aims to provide reliable, high-capacity telecommunications services to communities that have historically been underserved. The cable’s development aligns with broader efforts to modernize Alaska’s telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring that even the most remote areas can participate in the digital economy.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring of SEALink South’s development highlights its strategic importance for southeastern Alaska. The cable’s relatively short length of 159 kilometers is well-suited for its intra-regional focus, connecting communities separated by waterways rather than vast ocean distances. This design ensures low latency and high reliability, critical for both residential and commercial users in the region.

The Alexander Archipelago, where the cable is being laid, presents unique environmental challenges, including strong tidal currents and rocky seabeds. Our probes indicate that careful planning and engineering have been employed to mitigate these risks, ensuring the cable’s durability and performance. Additionally, the proximity of the landing points to existing infrastructure in Ketchikan enhances the system’s capacity to integrate with broader telecommunications networks.

By providing a dedicated submarine fiber link, SEALink South will significantly enhance data transmission capabilities in southeastern Alaska. This improvement will support growing demand from local users and contribute to the region’s ability to connect with larger national and international networks, ensuring a more connected future for these communities.