The “FISH in AK” (Fiber Internet Service Homes in Alaska) project will deliver Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) for all residents and businesses in Cordova, Alaska. This project will also add a submarine fiber line from Cordova to Seward with branches to Johnstone Point and the Village of Chenega.
“FISH in AK’ consists of the following key elements
• Fiber-To-The-Home for residents and businesses in Cordova
• Critical middle-mile connectivity for Cordova and Chenega
This project is funded by a USDA ReConnect R3 grant of $21.4 million dollars and $7.5 million dollars in matching funds from Cordova Telecom Cooperative.
This project will take several years and is estimated to be complete by the fall of 2027.
How much will this fiber upgrade cost me as a customers?
$0.00 CTC customers will not have to spend any money for this upgrade. All equipment, labor, and material costs are covered by the grant and matching funds.
Will my internet service cost increase?
No. CTC intends to maintain current pricing models. We will also offer new packages.
Will my internet be faster?
Yes, CTC intends to offer speeds 10x current offerings, introducing 1GB and faster options in the future.
Will I need to sign a commitment agreement to use CTC services?
No, we only need permission to do the construction and wiring, customers do not need to commit to buying CTC services.
Will CTC be digging up my yard?
For most locations, CTC will need to trench in conduit for the new fiber. We will coordinate with property owners prior to construction.
Do you have to upgrade the lines in my house?
CTC would like to run fiber into your home or business to ensure the fastest speeds and best service possible. We do plan to eventually retire the copper plant as fiber is our future.
How long will it take when working on my building connection?
We expect most location construction and wiring to take less than one working day.
Will CTC engage me before upgrading my home or business wiring?
Yes, all customers will be given a form for approval and construction input. Additionally, any inside wiring will be coordinated with customers.
Will we need a new modem?
Yes, CTC will be deploying new fiber modems which have improved wifi coverage.
What locations will get fiber in 2023?
The following areas received fiber in 2023: South Harbor, Ferry Terminal area to PWSSC, Main Street ocean side from Ilanka Cultural Center to Serendipity, Sunnyside Subdivision, Upper Railroad Road.
What locations will get fiber in 2024?
The following areas are scheduled to receive fiber in 2024: Cabin Lake Road, Power Creek Road, Six Mile area, Whitshed Road from ballfield to end of road. We plan to continue inwards on the highway as we complete Six Mile area and will then move to Five Mile Loop towards Highland Drive. (Last Updated 08/28/2024)
What properties are eligible for the fiber installation?
Any property with a residential or business dwelling unit. This includes trailers and RVs, and any permanent structure that is lived in. If you are constructing a new building the foundation must exist before we can bring in fiber using grant funds.
We don't have electrical service yet, can we add conduit for electric service when the fiber is going in?
Yes, this should be coordinated with CEC. The Fiber drops are only going from the dwelling unit to the property line where the telecom pedestal will go, there will likely be additional construction costs to connect your electrical service.
When will we get fiber to our home or business?
This is a multi-year project and we are working on deployment plans we can share with the community.
Why are we upgrading our copper lines to fiber?
Fiber optic cables are made of thin strands of glass that use light to transmit data which can transmit more data at much faster speeds than copper wires.
Fiber optic cables are capable of delivering gigabit speeds and are more reliable than traditional copper cables.
Fiber is less susceptible to interference and can transmit data over long distances without the need for signal boosting.
Fiber optic cables are also more durable and have a longer lifespan than traditional copper cables which means that they require less maintenance and can save companies money in the long run.
