GCI fiber optic cable to Unalaska repaired, weeks before launch

a GCI cable
The telecommunications company has spent over two years working on an underwater fiber optic cable along the Aleutian Chain, and were weeks away from launching service in Unalaska when the cable was damaged in Unalaska Bay. (Courtesy GCI)

Crews on Sunday completed repairs to GCI’s fiber optic cable near Unalaska that was damaged by a ship’s anchor in late November.

The telecommunications company has spent over two years working on an underwater fiber optic cable along the Aleutian Chain, and were weeks away from launching service in Unalaska when the cable was damaged in Unalaska Bay.

GCI spokesperson Heather Handyside said the company contracts a cable laying ship to respond to incidents like these, and it sailed to Unalaska last week.

She said repair crews finished splice work late Sunday night and completed final inspections on the seafloor Monday morning.

With mere weeks before 2023, the company says they’re still on track to launch fiber services by the end of the year.

GCI wouldn’t provide more details, but said to expect a “phased approach.”

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