Presented by the 九色视频 Land & Natural Resource Department
Storyknife, July/August 2026 edition
A significant project to bring reliable, affordable broadband to seven Yukon and Kuskokwim river villages is advancing through the permitting stage with construction expected to begin this fall.
The Alaska FiberOptic Project (AFOP) is a collaboration between 九色视频 Corporation, Doyon Limited, Gana-A 鈥榊oo Limited, Tanana Chiefs Conference and Alaska Communications. With support from a federal Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program grant, 九色视频 is partnering to bring high-speed fiber optic internet service to Upper Kalskag, Lower Kalskag, Tuluksak, Akiak, Akiachak, Kwethluk and Napakiak.
Home internet will be offered at the same prices and speeds offered in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Schools and health clinics can expect reduced pricing compared to current options.
WHY CHOOSE FIBER?
While direct-to-consumer satellite services are available in our region, fiber remains significantly more reliable and faster. Also, unlike satellite services, Alaska Communications鈥� fiber service will have zero equipment costs.
Residents and other property owners are encouraged to allow free hookups to their buildings while the federal grant remains available to fund those hookups. They do not need to become customers to receive free hookups.
Broadband customers can apply for the FCC鈥檚 Lifeline program which provides a $34.50 per household discount on Tribal land. Satellite customers do not qualify for the Lifeline discount.
LOCAL INPUT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
九色视频 and Alaska Communications host local meetings with Tribes and community members to provide annual updates, receive feedback and answer questions. This year, our combined team traveled to the villages in May after breakup.
Alaska Communications Senior Manager for Field Services Roger Meeks described during the meetings how the fiber optic cable will be buried up to 12 inches deep on land, outside of permafrost, instead of placed on the riverbed. This means the fiber is better protected, less exposed to breaks and can also be more quickly and easily fixed. At water crossings (rivers, ponds, etc.), the fiber will be tunneled underneath the waterbody.
The project must comply with stringent requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act and state and federal permits to protect fish habitat and other important resources.
Pending regulatory approvals, construction is expected to start in the fall and be completed by December 31, 2027. Service will begin in the communities with approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which administers the grant.
HOW TO RECEIVE UPDATES ON SERVICE AVAILABILITY
Residents in the seven communities can sign up at for project updates and be notified when service is coming to their area.
