Pacific Dataport Preps for OneWeb Beta Testing in Alaska
Microcom’s Talkeetna Alaska Teleport.
Microcom
OneWeb has restarted ground station activities at Microcom’s Talkeetna Alaska Teleport. This marks the beginning of many critical steps necessary to initiate beta testing of the OneWeb system.
Although this constellation will provide worldwide broadband service, terminal beta testing and beta testing with customers throughout the state will soon follow.
Shawn Fitzpatrick, Pacific Dataport’s ground systems manager, comments: “We at Pacific Dataport are excited about the recent restart of the OneWeb project at the Talkeetna Alaska Teleport and what this means for the future of satellite broadband for Alaska.
“OneWeb’s LEO constellation in conjunction with Pacific Dataport’s Aurora GEO HTS network will certainly create opportunities for affordable broadband expansion and help bridge the digital divide for unserved and underserved Alaskans.”
Talkeetna Alaska Teleport, located in Talkeetna, is an international provider of satellite and fiber-based communications, supplying connectivity for the Pacific Ocean Region and neighboring landmasses. Strategically located in interior Alaska, it creates a unique ability to utilize Alaska’s Arctic climate and northern latitude, while simultaneously providing low-cost space and power for critical gateway and data center infrastructure.
Current Issue
February 2025
Talkeetna’s Arctic environment provides the opportunity for reduced cooling requirements for many months of the year. The facility is positioned at 62.333 degrees N latitude enabling connection to polar-orbiting satellites for longer durations than lower latitudes while maintaining significant reductions in utilities and infrastructure expenses compared to higher latitude locations.
Microcom’s knowledge of satellite communications allows them to leverage their location and critical infrastructure to offer an unmatched facility in the Arctic for antenna hosting, co-location, construction, pad space, engineering, and maintenance and technical support.
Pacific Dataport and OneWeb are working together to deliver broadband to 100 percent of Alaska communities starting in 2021. Pacific Dataport’s founder, Microcom, has invested millions and built the Talkeetna Alaska Teleport for OneWeb’s regional connection to the Internet.
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Architecture & Engineering + Interior
February 2025
In our February 2025 issue, we highlight how architecture and engineering improve every facet of our daily lives, from increasing the availability and affordability of housing to building small businesses and improving community safety. Projects like these are helmed by Alaska’s exceptional professionals, including the 2024 Anchorage Engineer of the Year Nominees. In the Interior, Red Dog Mine and the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum are both making big moves. Enjoy!