Providing internet access to remote areas with low population density, wide-spread geography and challenging terrain, creates a unique problem for deploying physical broadband infrastructure. However, by utilizing various innovative technologies, ISPs now have good options to deliver high-speed internet to the most rural of areas. To best meet the challenges of providing broadband to the farthest corners of the country, ISPs need the flexibility to adopt technology-neutral solutions to meet current and future needs. All scalable options should be considered when providing high-speed service that is beneficial to consumers.
Fixed wireless networks are capable of download speeds up to 50 Mbps, enough to power a household with a 4K TV and gaming systems.
TERRA brings high-speed broadband to villages and communities across the state which were previously only serviced by satellite. The building of the 3,300-mile network, which started in 2011, involved construction crews, helicopters, engineers, heavy equipment operators, and more. Mountaintop sites were used for tower construction, and all equipment had to be flown in via heavy-lift helicopters. Crews could only work during certain parts of the year depending on land restrictions or weather conditions, and for specific parts of the day due to limited daylight hours.
