AIRRAQ Network’s first phase is complete, closing the digital divide in 5 Y-K Delta communities
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The first phase of the AIRRAQ Network is complete! This milestone brings 2.5 gig residential internet speeds, unlimited data, and urban-level pricing to five Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta communities. Once finished, the multi-phase fiber project, which is a partnership between Bethel Native Corporation (BNC) and GCI, will bring fiber connectivity to more than a dozen communities in the region.
Phase one of the AIRRAQ Network leverages a combination of federal funding through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) and private investment by GCI to bring urban-level connectivity to Bethel, Platinum, Eek, Napaskiak, and Oscarville.
“Completing the first phase of the AIRRAQ Network is a proud moment for our region,” said BNC President & CEO Ana Hoffman. “This project is about more than fiber and fast internet. It’s about integrity, opportunity, equity, and the future of our communities. We are deeply grateful for NTIA’s support and for the local, tribal, and private partnerships that made this possible. Together, we are building a foundation for our people to thrive for generations to come.”
The project’s first phase included the deployment of more than 400 miles of middle-mile subsea, terrestrial, and aerial fiber, upgrading the local cable plant in Bethel, and building out new fiber-to-the-premises infrastructure in Platinum, Eek, Napaskiak, and Oscarville. In addition to delivering high-speed internet service, the AIRRAQ Network fiber also supports 5G mobile service in each community.
“The AIRRAQ Network isn’t just shrinking the digital divide, it’s eliminating it in these communities and those that will be coming online over the next several years,” said GCI Senior Vice President of Corporate Development Billy Wailand. “With BNC’s steadfast support and tireless work by our employees and contractors, GCI was among the first companies in the nation to complete a large infrastructure project funded by NTIA’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. The completion of the AIRRAQ Network’s first phase shows what’s possible when federal investment, local leadership, and private expertise come together.”
BNC and GCI have worked closely with local communities and Tribal entities throughout the project, holding public meetings and listening sessions in Tribal halls and school gyms for residents who wanted to learn more – even giving presentations in Yup’ik when needed. This local participation was crucial, ensuring construction respected cultural and environmental priorities and building community ownership of the AIRRAQ Network.
“Strong relationships with local communities are what make the AIRRAQ Network possible,” said GCI Rural Affairs Senior Director Jenifer Nelson. “Listening to residents, learning from their experiences and working together every step of the way has helped guide this project. It’s a reflection of what can happen when trust, respect and shared goals come together.”
“This network is built with trust and local participation and specifically designed to meet the needs of our region for the foreseeable future,” Hoffman said. “This is an ambitious project, and it is becoming a reality, bringing first-class internet to a first-class people. These strands of fiber are carrying our voices, images, culture, and stories throughout Alaska and across the world.”
That strong local support was matched at the state and federal level, as Alaska’s elected leaders united behind AIRRAQ and other broadband projects as critical investments in education, health care, and economic opportunity.
“This milestone is proof of what Alaskans can accomplish when we work together,” said Gov. Mike Dunleavy. “Bethel Native Corporation, GCI, and their teams have brought high-speed fiber internet to the Y-K Delta, giving families, schools, and businesses new opportunities right where they live. This is just the beginning. As work continues on the AIRRAQ Network, its impact will grow, improving access to health care, education, and economic resources across the region. This is Alaskans helping Alaskans build the foundation for a stronger future.”
“The completion of the first phase of AIRRAQ’s project exemplifies what good partnership looks like,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski. “I am proud to have provided federal support because those involved at every level of the project are committed to ensuring that these communities have the resources they need to connect with the world. To the folks at Bethel Native Corporation, GCI, and the community leaders of Platinum, Eek, Napaskiak, and Oscarville, congratulations on this significant step forward.”
“The completion of the AIRRAQ Network’s first phase is a major milestone for Bethel Native Corporation and GCI and a big win for Alaskans across the Y-K Delta,” said Sen. Dan Sullivan. “Reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it’s essential for education, health care, and economic opportunity. I’ve worked hard to bring federal partners to Bethel to see firsthand the challenges our rural communities face, and this progress shows what can happen when we work together. There’s more to do, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure every Alaska community has the connectivity they need to thrive.”
“Reliable, high-speed internet in Alaska is essential infrastructure for education, health care, and public safety,” said Congressman Nick Begich. “The completion of the first phase of the AIRRAQ Network is a major step toward closing the digital divide in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. This project shows what’s possible when federal investment is paired with strong local leadership and private-sector expertise, and I look forward to supporting continued efforts to bring quality connectivity to every corner of our state.”
Phases 2 and 3 of the AIRRAQ Network are funded by a combination of USDA Rural Development ReConnect grants and private investment by GCI. Work on the AIRRAQ Network’s second phase is already underway, and will bring fiber to Atmautluak, Kasigluk, Nunapitchuk, Quinhagak, and Tuntutuliak. Phase 3 will follow, extending the AIRRAQ Network to Toksook Bay, Tununak, and Emmonak. When complete, the AIRRAQ Network will close the digital divide for more than 11,800 Alaskans in the Y-K Delta.
For more information about the AIRRAQ Network, visit: https://news.gci.com/topic/airraq-network.
About Bethel Native Corporation
BNC is respected as a business leader with offices in Bethel, Anchorage and the Lower 48. Bethel’s companies engage in many diverse lines of business including government contracting, construction, logistical support, environmental remediation and commercial real estate. Learn more about BNC at https://bethelnativecorp.org.
About GCI
Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested $4.7 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 45 years. Through a combination of ambitious network initiatives, GCI continues to expand and strengthen its statewide network infrastructure to deliver the best possible connectivity to its customers and close the digital divide in Alaska. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is an independent publicly traded company (Nasdaq: GLIBA, GLIBK, GLIBB) Learn more at https://www.gciliberty.com/.