The Alaska Department of Natural Resources plans to reissue a public utility easement for an undersea fiber optic cable that connects Whittier, Valdez, and Juneau to international waters. The cable, owned by Alaska United Fiber System Partnership, a subsidiary of GCI Communication Corp., has been operational since 1998.

The easement covers approximately 355 miles of submerged cable across Prince William Sound, the Gulf of Alaska, and Chatham Strait. The cable lies entirely on state land beneath the water. No changes to the cable alignment, shore landings, or infrastructure are proposed.

The original easement expired, prompting the reissuance request. The company seeks an indefinite term for the easement. The Department of Natural Resources met public notice requirements when it first authorized the cable in 1998 and is not seeking additional comments at this time.

The notice expires May 5, 2026. Questions about the easement should be directed to Cynthia Zuelow-Osborne at the Division of Mining, Land and Water, Southcentral Regional Land Office. She can be reached at 907-269-8575 or [email protected].

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