Deltanet

34 sites throughout western Alaska

PROJECT SUMMARY

Name of Project
DeltaNet Broadband Network

Location of Project
42 villages throughout the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

Client
United Utilities

Situation
United Utilities received funding through low interest Federal loan programs to create a broadband network that would provide educational and healthcare resources to the remote communities located along the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region of Alaska. This project involved creating a large-scale broadband network that would enhance healthcare and educational services in an area that had extremely restricted means for these essential services.

Unique Challenges
The STG team was faced with the challenge of building a first-of-its-kind network that pushed the limits of line of sight radio path distances approaching 80 miles. The project relied heavily on well managed logistical planning and fine-tuned executions. The team had to build four mountaintop repeaters overcoming access challenges, such as the need to build access roads in extremely remote areas of the state, providing access to the local utility grids for reliable power, all while dealing with the harsh conditions of working in such locations.

Solution
STG constructed DeltaNet for United Utilities over a 4-year period between 2004 – 2008. The massive 42-site broadband network was designed to provide villages in the southwestern portion of the state with an array of improved communication abilities including wireless phone service and broadband connectivity. The completed project provides residents of these southwest Alaska villages with expanded opportunities such as telemedicine services, distance learning opportunities, and the ability to utilize cell phones for convenience and safety. All of this along with expanded abilities to connect to the Internet without the unreliability and slow speed of dial-up service. In terms of covered area, the system is one of the largest microwave networks in the world.

* GCI purchased United Utilities in the summer of 2008, becoming the owners of DeltaNet which was eventually expanded into the present TERRA network, a massive remote broadband network also constructed by STG.

PROJECT PHOTOS

PROJECT SUMMARY

Name of Project
DeltaNet Broadband Network

Location of Project
42 villages throughout the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

Client
United Utilities

Situation
United Utilities received funding through low interest Federal loan programs to create a broadband network that would provide educational and healthcare resources to the remote communities located along the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region of Alaska. This project involved creating a large-scale broadband network that would enhance healthcare and educational services in an area that had extremely restricted means for these essential services.

Unique Challenges
The STG team was faced with the challenge of building a first-of-its-kind network that pushed the limits of line of sight radio path distances approaching 80 miles. The project relied heavily on well managed logistical planning and fine-tuned executions. The team had to build four mountaintop repeaters overcoming access challenges, such as the need to build access roads in extremely remote areas of the state, providing access to the local utility grids for reliable power, all while dealing with the harsh conditions of working in such locations.

Solution
STG constructed DeltaNet for United Utilities over a 4-year period between 2004 – 2008. The massive 42-site broadband network was designed to provide villages in the southwestern portion of the state with an array of improved communication abilities including wireless phone service and broadband connectivity. The completed project provides residents of these southwest Alaska villages with expanded opportunities such as telemedicine services, distance learning opportunities, and the ability to utilize cell phones for convenience and safety. All of this along with expanded abilities to connect to the Internet without the unreliability and slow speed of dial-up service. In terms of covered area, the system is one of the largest microwave networks in the world.

* GCI purchased United Utilities in the summer of 2008, becoming the owners of DeltaNet which was eventually expanded into the present TERRA network, a massive remote broadband network also constructed by STG.