Subsea Fiber Cut

Quintillion Subsea Fiber Cut and Service Restoration

Subsea Fiber Cut Event: January 18

Quintillion identified a subsea fiber cut at Oliktok Point.

ASTAC Restored Services: January 31

All affected communities were switched over to the backup network.

ASTAC Network Connection Improvement: Ongoing

ASTAC continues to improve connectivity and bandwidth.

Fiber Restoration: September 2025

Quintillion estimates the fiber to be fully restored in September 2025.

Latest Quintillion Updates

Updates to the current fiber cut that is affecting Atqasuk, Point Hope, Utqiaġvik and Wainwright.

What Happened?

On January 18, 2025, our network partner, Quintillion, experienced an underwater fiber cut in the Beaufort Sea, causing disruptions to ASTAC services. As a result, customers in Atqasuk, Point Hope, Utqiaġvik, and Wainwright are experiencing slower internet speeds and limited mobile connectivity. We are actively working with Quintillion to restore services as quickly as possible.

How are We Responding to the Cut?

Out team took immediate action to restore service using every available connectivity solution. As your North Slope Connection Cooperative, we are committed to keeping our members connected, even in the face of unexpected disruptions. While these solutions cannot match the speed and capacity of fiber, we are maximizing every resource to keep our communities connected throughout this outage.

Increased capacity across alternative technologies, including microwave infrastructure throughout the North Slope
Expanded satellite solutions, utilizing both LEO (Low Eart Orbit) and GEO (Geostationary) satellites.
Prioritized critical services, ensuring essential health, safety, and emergency communication remains (Band 14) stable.

While these solutions cannot match the speed and capacity of fiber, we are maximizing every resource to keep our communities connected throughout this outage.

Will Wireless Phone Devices Work During this Outage?

To ensure our members have mobile phone connectivity and access to emergency services, our members must have Band 14 compatible mobile devices.*

ASTAC Band 14 Compatible Devices

•          All iPhone 14, 15, 16 Models
•          All Samsung S23, S24, S25 models
•          Samsung Z Flip5, Flip6, Fold5, Fold6
•          Samsung A35, A14, A15 (5G)
•          TCL 30z
*Per ASTAC Mobile Agreement.

Will credits be issued?

Yes. As part of our commitment to the communities we serve, we have automatically applied service credits to impacted customers; no action is needed on your part.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work together to stay connected. Please continue to pay your bill in full, and your credit will be applied monthly during this outage.

Customers in Atqasuk, Point Hope, Utqiaġvik, and Wainwright will receive credits for the duration of the outage and an email with specific details have been sent directly to customers.

What is the Estimated Time for Repair?

We want to keep you informed about the repair timeline. Due to sea conditions, a subsea fiber repair crew and vessel cannot access the area at this time.

Based on current environmental factors, repairs are expected to take place in late summer or early fall when conditions allow. In the meantime, we remain dedicated to supporting our communities by maximizing alternative connectivity solutons to keep you connected.

What Can I Expect Until Full Service is Restored?

During this time, internet access will be limited to essential activities like basic web browsing and checking email. Mobile service will support voice calls and standard text messaging.

We are continuously optimizing our network to enhance your experience and will provide updates as improvements are made.