The Infrastructure Gap
Hundreds of Alaska Native communities remain connected only by slow, expensive, high-latency satellite internet. For telehealth, remote education, economic development, and basic public safety communications, this bandwidth gap has real consequences for residents.
Engineering for Permafrost
Conventional direct-buried cable installation is often impossible in permafrost. Disturbing the active layer can cause the ground to thaw and destabilize, creating sinkholes and cable damage. Our approach uses elevated conduit systems, thermal barrier installation methods, and specialized route selection to work with the permafrost rather than against it.
River and Water Body Crossings
Alaska's river network is a significant obstacle for any OSP construction project. Options include:
- Directional boring (HDD) beneath the riverbed where conditions allow
- Aerial crossing on existing or new bridge structures
- Underwater cable installation during low water periods
- Aviation-supported deployment in areas with no road access
In one recent project, our team deployed fiber to a coastal community using a combination of aerial, HDD, and hand-trenched installation — all transported to the site by float plane because there were no roads.
Federal Funding Opportunities
Several federal programs now fund rural Alaska fiber construction, including the BEAD program, FCC's Connect America Fund, and USDA ReConnect. Richesin Engineering has experience with program requirements and can help with applications and compliance documentation.
Alaska Fiber Construction
Planning a fiber project in rural Alaska? Our team has the experience to handle the logistics and engineering challenges unique to Alaska.
Alaska Services