For years, the Port of Alaska in Anchorage has been the biggest gateway for commerce in the state. 90% of the goods and products that Alaskans use pass through this port. That includes everything from gasoline and heating oil to most of what can be found in local grocery stores. During these difficult times, establishing and maintaining the supply chain is more important than ever and the Port plays a critical role. The port is one of only 19 commercial ports in the U.S. designated as a Department of Defense Strategic Seaport, due to its vital role in supporting overseas deployments, fuel for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, vehicle transportation and more.
During these difficult times, establishing and maintaining the supply chain is more important than ever and the Port plays a critical role.
GCI is wrapping up the first phase of the more than $600,000 project to bring high-speed fiber-optic connectivity to the Port of Alaska. In November 2019, GCI broke ground and Crews worked through the winter to install three and a half miles of cable to the port, thus enabling it and nearby businesses to take advantage of high-speed connectivity. GCI’s investment in the Port of Alaska enabled these businesses to explore numerous technological upgrades to their critical systems that will improve long-term operations and allow them to continue to serve Alaskans for decades to come.
But what does this really mean? For workers based at the Port of Alaska, it means being able to efficiently and automatically track all the various goods and products that flow into and out of this economic ingress. For community members, this means being able to easily communicate with family and friends across the state. These dual benefits will not only improve quality of life but also enable local Alaska businesses to modernize operations for the digital era.
Connectivity is at the very core of innovation because, without connectivity, we can’t get data and information to where it needs to go.
At GCI, we’re always in the process of modernizing and transforming the way we do business, whether it be streamlining internal operations or embarking on major projects like this one at the Port of Alaska. Connectivity is at the very core of innovation because, without connectivity, we can’t get data and information to where it needs to go. By taking advantage of this data and information, the port can intelligently track shipments and ensure that goods and products are being delivered to every village and town across the state.
Enhancing GCI’s infrastructure in one of Anchorage’s most important industrial areas is a crucial step toward ensuring our business customers have access to the best possible connectivity. GCI makes the investments necessary to enable technological advances and keep Alaska businesses competitive. By connecting our customers to the wider network and implementing innovative technologies, GCI is supporting businesses not just in Anchorage but all over the great state of Alaska.