Kivalina, Alaska: Connecting a Remote Community

Nestled on the southern tip of a barrier island in the Chukchi Sea, the remote city of Kivalina, Alaska faces unique challenges when it comes to accessing reliable high-speed internet. As a small Inupiat community of just over 350 people, Kivalina's isolation and vulnerability to the impacts of climate change have made improving its internet infrastructure a critical priority.

Currently, the primary internet service providers serving Kivalina are HughesNet, a satellite internet company, and OTZ Telephone Cooperative, which offers DSL connections. HughesNet can provide download speeds up to 25 Mbps, while OTZ Telephone Cooperative's DSL maxes out at 1 Mbps down and 0.256 Mbps up. These speeds, while an improvement over dial-up, still fall short of the high-speed connectivity that residents need to effectively work, learn, and stay connected.

The challenges facing Kivalina are multifaceted. As a community threatened by rising sea levels and coastal erosion, the prospect of relocation looms large. Any investment in permanent internet infrastructure must be weighed against the uncertainty of the village's long-term future on its current site. Additionally, Kivalina's remote location and small population make it a less attractive market for major internet providers, who often prioritize more populous and accessible areas.

Despite these obstacles, the residents of Kivalina are determined to improve their access to high-speed internet. Community leaders are actively exploring options for upgrading their telecommunications systems, including the possibility of satellite-based broadband or even fiber optic connections. Securing the necessary funding and overcoming the logistical hurdles of building infrastructure in such a remote location remain significant challenges, but the importance of reliable internet access for Kivalina's future cannot be overstated.

As Kivalina continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the need for robust, resilient internet connectivity will only grow more pressing. By working to improve their internet services, the people of Kivalina are taking an important step towards ensuring the long-term viability and sustainability of their community.