Mining News: News Nuggets: Teck, GCI to bring high-speed internet to Red Dog area

GCI and Teck Red Dog Operations July 14 said they have reached an agreement that will bring high-speed broadband internet service to the Red Dog Mine and the community of Noatak in Northwest Alaska. GCI is already Alaska’s largest telecommunications company, and this partnership is part of its broader strategy to connect Arctic communities to high-speed internet. “Red Dog is a world-class mining operation that requires world-class internet service, and this partnership is a win-win for GCI, Red Dog and the residents of Noatak,” said Martin Cary, senior vice president of business services, GCI. In June, GCI announced plans to expand its Terrestrial for Every Rural Region in Alaska network to include 10 new communities in the Northwest Arctic Borough and Norton Sound region. This expansion will result in high-speed, data rich broadband service for schools and clinics in Buckland, Kiana, Noorvik, Selawik, Koyuk, Elim, Golovin, White Mountain, Stebbins and St. Michael. “Our team understands the challenges of building infrastructure and providing service to more than 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle. In addition to the 72 rural communities already served by TERRA, GCI is expanding TERRA to 10 more rural communities in 2016. When Red Dog and Noatak are complete, GCI’s TERRA network will deliver high-speed internet to a total of 84 rural Alaska locations,” Cary added. Once the network expansion is complete, which is targeted for 2017, Red Dog employees and Noatak residents will be able to stream rich media and stay easily connected with family and friends. The network also will advance the performance of online business, health, education and other services for both Noatak and Red Dog. “This partnership will help connect many more Northwest Arctic residents with important online services, while also providing business benefits to Teck Red Dog Operations and mine employees,” said Henri Letient, General Manager, Teck Red Dog Operations. “Bringing high speed internet connection to Noatak is a strong example of the local benefits generated by Red Dog, and of our commitment to helping support local residents and communities,” he added.

-Shane Lasley