- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Economic Development
Port Lions and Ouzinkie now have access to 2.5-gigabit fiber-optic internet as part of the Aleutians Fiber Project, marking a significant infrastructure development for these remote Alaska communities.
The project, a joint venture between the Native Village of Port Lions and telecommunications provider GCI, delivers unlimited data and urban-level pricing to communities that previously faced substantial connectivity limitations. Despite being less than 20 miles from Kodiak, these communities had been digitally isolated until now.
A $29.3 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program supports this initiative. Construction began in August 2024 following extensive planning and engineering work.
For tribal enterprises, fishing operations, and maritime businesses in the region, the connectivity upgrade provides new opportunities for digital operations and market access. The fiber network also enhances capabilities for local schools and health clinics, potentially improving educational outcomes and telehealth services.
This deployment represents the second phase of a broader connectivity effort. The first phase brought high-speed internet to six other communities including Unalaska, King Cove, Sand Point, Akutan, Chignik Bay and Larsen Bay. That initial expansion was funded through a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's ReConnect Program, supplemented by more than $50 million in private investment from GCI.
The project demonstrates an effective funding model combining federal grants with private investment to address infrastructure gaps in tribal regions. The Native Village of Port Lions' central role illustrates how tribal governments can successfully partner with private corporations to secure essential infrastructure improvements.
When completed, the Aleutians Fiber Project will connect 13 communities across Kodiak Island, the Alaska Peninsula and the southern Aleutian Chain. The phased approach allows for securing appropriate funding, coordination with local tribal organizations, and compliance with regional historical preservation requirements.
