hat’s the key objective of Quintillion Networks, the first and only telecommunications operator to build a subsea and terrestrial fiber optic cable network in the US Arctic.

With the capacity to deliver gigabit and terabit bandwidth, Quintillion’s network spans 1,200 miles of subsea fiber cable from Nome to Prudhoe Bay and 500 miles of terrestrial fiber cable from Prudhoe Bay to Fairbanks. The world-class system serves six Alaska markets: Nome, Kotzebue, Point Hope, Wainwright, Utqiaġvik, and Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse—including the oil and gas infield. Quintillion delivers middle-mile backhaul services to last-mile service providers that supply broadband directly to customers.

Expanding in and Beyond Alaska

Under its IN, OUT, and UP strategy, Anchorage-based Quintillion aims to expand throughout Alaska, connect Asia and Europe through the Arctic, and support space operations. Quintillion’s primary focus—the IN part of the strategy—is enhancing existing infrastructure to serve more Alaskans. “We’re looking at the infrastructure money that is available and how we can leverage some of that to extend our existing infrastructure to more villages,” says Senior Manager of Government Programs Ariel Burr.

Recently, Quintillion applied for government grants totaling $52 million, which includes funding under the Community Connect Program and the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. “The current cost of the infrastructure we have in place is about $300 million,” says Market Development Manager Adaweze Maduakor. “Quintillion has already made significant investments to advance broadband services in Alaska, and now, due to the pandemic, people everywhere realize the importance and the necessity of internet access for all.”

For the OUT portion, Quintillion is in the planning phase, extending its network to Japan and on to Europe through the Arctic utilizing the existing Alaska infrastructure. The Arctic’s strategic location makes this intercontinental fiber network vital for national security and various other purposes. “The most difficult part of that build is already done,” says Chief Revenue Officer Michael (Mac) McHale. “The network we have in place is the gateway between Asia and Europe. It will be the fastest route between continents.”

Looking toward the Future

Under the UP component, Quintillion recently constructed the highest-latitude satellite ground station on American soil. The new station is located at 720 in Utqiaġvik and will serve as a critical intersection between space and terrestrial communications. While seeking additional partners, Quintillion is selling ground-station capacity on the antenna.

As a private global communications company, Quintillion made impressive strides with a small team of employees. They credit the company’s achievements, in part, to its positive culture. “We have a healthy workplace environment of open communication, and it’s modeled throughout the leadership,” Maduakor says. “That synergy makes us deliver what we deliver.”

Burr, who describes her work to further broadband access as “rewarding,” has watched technology and internet access evolve tremendously. “I’m excited about the future; the best is yet to come,” she says.

Likewise, McHale says: “We’re looking forward—not backward. We’re partnering with anyone who wants to partner with us and has an eye for quality and doing the right thing.”