GCI’s annual TERRA network refueling effort passes halfway point
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — With more than 56,400 gallons of fuel delivered to 13 of 22 remote mountaintop microwave towers, the annual refueling effort of GCI’s TERRA Network has passed the halfway point. The refueling effort keeps critical network infrastructure running and connectivity flowing to homes, clinics, schools and businesses throughout Western and Northwest Alaska.
Far from commercial power grids, the remote mountaintop towers must be refueled every year, using specialized helicopters, to stay running and self-sufficient for months. GCI crews and local contractors will make more than 200 round trips this summer to deliver approximately 106,000 gallons of diesel fuel to the remote sites.
“I’m proud of the work our team has done to keep the annual refueling effort on schedule,” said Senior Manager of GCI Rural Network Operations & Maintenance Earl Merchant. “We couldn’t make this happen seamlessly every year without our dedicated team of rural technicians and longtime aviation partners at Bering Air. Every person involved in the project brings a wealth of knowledge and plays an important role in keeping rural Alaska connected.”
As GCI builds and maintains its network and infrastructure, including the refueling effort at these remote towers, the company takes special precautions to ensure the safety of Alaska’s ecosystem. Flights are planned for certain times of year to avoid interfering with caribou migrations and subsistence hunting. During the TERRA refuel, helicopters fly at least 1,500 feet above the ground, weather permitting, to minimize disturbances to wildlife. Also, if there are caribou or other animals visible near the site, crews will adjust flight routes to avoid contact.
Once the helicopters get to the remote locations, they fill up one or two 4,500-gallon fuel storage tanks. Arctic diesel fuel is hauled in between 410 and 440 gallons at a time by helicopter, with each site taking as many as 16 round trips up the mountain to fill the tanks.
GCI purchases fuel from Alaska companies and works with local businesses throughout the process. GCI expects the annual refueling project to be complete in the fall.
About GCI
Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, video, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested more than $4 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 40 years and recently launched true standards-based 5G NR service in Anchorage, now the nation’s northernmost 5G service area. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Broadband Corporation (Nasdaq: LBRDA, LBRDK, LBRDP). Learn more about Liberty Broadband at http://www.libertybroadband.com.