Rural Broadband: The Challenges and Triumphs of Connecting Alaska - ETI
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October 28, 2024

Rural Broadband: The Challenges and Triumphs of Connecting Alaska

The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click here. This episode is sponsored by ETI Software and VETRO FiberMap.

In an episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live from Mountain Connect 2024 in Denver, Colorado, host Brad Hine has a discussion with Jess Gilbert, Director of Marketing and Communications at Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA). This conversation sheds light on the creative solutions and distinct challenges MTA faces as they work to expand broadband in Alaska’s rugged, rural landscapes.

This episode highlights the intersecting influences of environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, community engagement, and innovative technology in delivering reliable broadband to one of the nation’s most challenging regions. Below, we explore some of the themes from this conversation, giving you a view of the state of broadband connectivity in rural Alaska and how MTA is working to redefine it.

The Complex Landscape of Broadband in Alaska

MTA serves a geographically massive area that is roughly the size of West Virginia, with a population density far below the national average. The logistics of extending broadband across such a vast, sparsely populated area are daunting. Alaska’s rough terrain, compounded by weather constraints and wildlife considerations, introduces unique obstacles that MTA has to address daily.

Jess explains that MTA’s daily operations depend heavily on the seasons, which dictate both the pace and timing of construction projects. Alaska’s long winters, coupled with late springs, mean that ground-thawing varies significantly from year to year. Construction season can be as short as four months, with tight windows to complete significant projects. This constraint requires careful planning and rapid mobilization, and MTA’s construction crews need to be ready to start and finish work within these narrow windows.

Beyond the terrain and seasonal factors, MTA’s work is also deeply influenced by the Alaskan wilderness. Employees often find themselves on “bear watch” duty to ensure the safety of crews working in remote areas. MTA even mandates that its door-to-door sales teams carry bear spray and undergo bear safety certification to handle potential encounters with wildlife while engaging with the community.

This commitment to adapting to local conditions extends to environmental protection measures. For example, MTA’s fiber deployment often intersects with riverbeds critical to the region’s salmon runs. These runs are culturally and economically vital for many Alaskans, and construction work must be planned meticulously to avoid disturbing the spawning seasons, river ecosystems, or nearby wildlife habitats.

MTA’s Commitment to Community

As a cooperative, MTA is owned by its members, who have a direct stake in the organization’s success. This member-first philosophy empowers MTA to take a community-centered approach to broadband development, enabling them to prioritize projects based on the needs of their members. This cooperative structure also fosters a sense of unity within the community, as decisions are driven by member interests rather than external shareholders.

Jess reflects on the unique role cooperatives play in local communities, explaining that they are both culturally embedded and community-driven. MTA frequently surveys its members, collecting feedback to better understand local needs and preferences. For instance, members have expressed a preference for privacy and autonomy—a sentiment that MTA respects by being sensitive to members’ desire for big, open land and secluded properties while ensuring they still have the connectivity they need.

Alaska’s geographical isolation and harsh weather conditions mean that digital infrastructure is more than a luxury—it’s a lifeline. For many residents, broadband connectivity links them to essential services, telehealth resources, educational opportunities, and economic markets that would otherwise be inaccessible. MTA’s cooperative model, therefore, is not only about providing a service but also about strengthening and enriching the lives of Alaskans through reliable, high-quality broadband.

How eSports is Transforming Community Dynamics

In an effort to attract younger generations and foster stronger connections within the community, MTA has embraced a surprising yet highly successful initiative: eSports. Jess recalls how a simple idea to integrate gaming into MTA’s annual cooperative meeting quickly evolved into Alaska’s largest eSports league. What began as a casual tournament has grown over seven years to include hundreds of participants from across the state, engaging gamers from high school students to young adults.

For Jess, this initiative exemplifies MTA’s commitment to community engagement. By creating a space where gamers can connect and compete, MTA has managed to bring new energy to traditional cooperative events and foster greater involvement from younger community members. It’s also helped bridge the digital divide, as many participants, especially young people, now see broadband as essential to modern life, not just a utility.

The eSports league also serves as a vital workforce development tool. Many of the tournament participants fall within the 19-27 age range—a demographic that often possesses the technical skills and digital fluency needed in today’s workforce. Jess describes how MTA has collaborated with local schools to officially recognize eSports as a school-sanctioned activity, allowing students to earn varsity letters and even scholarships for their gaming accomplishments. This innovative approach has not only boosted engagement but has also positioned MTA as a forward-thinking organization that values its community’s future.

One success story Jess shares involves a former tournament champion who, thanks to his eSports skills, secured a full scholarship to Wichita State University to join their Overwatch team. For MTA, the hope is that this student will return to Alaska after completing his education, bringing back valuable skills and experiences that can benefit the local community. This forward-thinking approach highlights how broadband providers like MTA can leverage technology to create lasting social impact beyond simple connectivity.

Meeting Alaska’s Broadband Needs

Alaska remains one of the most underserved areas in the country when it comes to broadband. High costs, vast distances, and challenging terrain mean that deploying broadband to every home is a long-term endeavor that requires significant resources and planning. MTA prioritizes its existing members, focusing on upgrading legacy copper infrastructure to fiber where possible and ensuring that those who need upgrades receive them.

Additionally, MTA faces a unique challenge with new construction, as Alaska’s rural areas are seeing an influx of young professionals and families seeking a quieter lifestyle. As these demographics shift, the demand for high-speed internet continues to rise, requiring MTA to adapt quickly to serve both new and long-time residents. The cooperative model allows MTA to reinvest in these priorities and approach network expansion with a balanced perspective that weighs financial responsibility against service needs.

On the funding front, Jess explains that MTA relies on a combination of internal resources, community contributions, and federal grants to support its broadband initiatives. They have successfully secured funding through high-cost support mechanisms like the Alaska Plan and are closely monitoring programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to ensure Alaska’s unique needs are adequately represented. MTA collaborates closely with organizations such as the NTCA and the Fiber Broadband Association to advocate for fair allocation of resources and ensure that Alaskan communities receive the necessary support to bridge the digital divide.

MTA’s Path Forward

As MTA celebrates its 70th anniversary, Jess envisions a future where MTA continues to grow and adapt alongside its community. Although broadband deployment in Alaska may never be fully “complete,” MTA is dedicated to expanding its footprint responsibly and sustainably. By integrating advanced mapping and data analysis tools, MTA can make informed decisions about where to prioritize future infrastructure investments.

Jess also highlights MTA’s recruitment approach, which emphasizes community involvement and creativity. She notes that MTA’s relatively small size allows employees to bring new ideas directly to leadership and see them implemented. This dynamic work culture encourages innovation, and Jess herself is an example, having introduced the idea for the eSports league early in her tenure. For individuals seeking meaningful work within a supportive community environment, MTA offers an ideal setting where big ideas are encouraged and executed.

This episode of The Broadband Bunch provides an inspiring look at how Matanuska Telecom Association is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in rural broadband. By embracing its cooperative model, engaging younger demographics through initiatives like eSports, and addressing Alaska’s unique environmental and logistical challenges, MTA exemplifies what it means to be a community-focused broadband provider. Through innovation, adaptability, and a deep respect for the land and its people, MTA is not only providing a service but is helping to shape the future of connectivity in Alaska.

© 2024 Enhanced Telecommunications.

About the Author

Brad Hine - Director, Partner/Channel Development

With over 16 years in the telecom software industry, Brad Hine specializes in product management, sales and channel development.  He is currently the Director of Partner Development at ETI Software Solutions, out of Atlanta, GA.  Brad’s demonstrated experience is in BSS/OSS solutions, geospatial strategy for telecoms and combining them to create operational efficiency through real-time, data-driven dashboards.  He has been a frequent conference speaker for the Fiber Broadband Association and Broadband Communities Summit and is a host of The Broadband Bunch, a podcast about broadband and how it impacts our communities. He is an alumnus of the University of Georgia.