Nome to Homer Express
Discover how a strategic fiber network from Nome to Homer is connecting Alaska’s coastal communities from Nome to Homer, delivering high-speed internet along 894 miles of coastline.
- 894 Miles
- $250M Investment
Project Overview
The Nome to Homer Express is a transformative infrastructure project that will complete a vital fiber-optic “ring” around Alaska — connecting Nome in the far northwest to Homer on the Kenai Peninsula, and linking key coastal and rural communities along the way. This route will deliver approximately 950–1,545 miles of subsea and terrestrial fiber, extending Quintillion’s existing network and enabling more robust, reliable middle-mile connectivity for underserved regions.
Completion of construction is currently targeted for late 2026, with full operational service expected by early 2027 following comprehensive testing. In addition to strengthening Alaska’s digital backbone, Nome to Homer Express opens new connectivity possibilities for remote coastal communities — including Nome, Hooper Bay, Emmonak, Naknek, Igiugig, and Homer, with additional communities planned for network expansion through grant and private funding. Once the ring is live, local service providers will be able to offer high-speed broadband to households, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities in areas that historically lacked reliable digital access.
Project Route Map
Community Benefits
Healthcare Access
Educational Opportunities
Economic Development
Government Services
Funding Structure
Federal Grants (NTIA Middle Mile & BEAD)
$88.90M
Private Investment (Quintillion)
$71.67M
Total Project Investment
$160.56M
This funding structure demonstrates our commitment to maximizing federal funding opportunities while making significant private investments to ensure project success. Our approach leverages public funding to de-risk infrastructure deployment in economically challenging areas while maintaining our ability to deliver high-quality, sustainable network operations.
Project Timeline
2023-2024
2023-2024Project Project Awarded
Project Kick-Off
2024-2025
Engineering Design
Permitting
Community/Stakeholder Engagment
Cultural Surveys Studies
Marine Survey
2025-2026
Environmental Assessment Completed
Cable Supply
Procurement
Construction Begins:
Terrestrial FOC Construction
2026
Construction
Submarine Cable Installation Testing
2027
Commissioning
Ready for Service
Technical Specifications
Network Infrastructure
Cable Type:
Subsea & Terrestrial Fiber
Fiber Pairs:
8-fiber configuration
Capacity:
400+ Gbps per pair
Technology:
DWDM capable
Resilience Features
Burial Depth:
2-3 meters subsea
Armoring:
Double armor in shore zones
Redundancy:
Ring architecture
Monitoring:
24/7 NOC surveillance
The Nome to Homer Express utilizes state-of-the-art subsea fiber optic technology designed specifically for the challenging conditions of Alaska’s coastal waters. The cable system features multiple layers of protection including steel armoring in shore approach zones and specialized burial techniques to protect against ice scour, fishing activities, and seismic events.
Landing sites are strategically located to minimize environmental impact while maximizing network resilience. Each community connection includes redundant power systems, environmental controls for extreme temperatures, and remote monitoring capabilities that enable our network operations center to detect and respond to issues before they impact service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which communities will benefit from this project?
The Nome to Homer Express system will directly benefit communities in West and Southwest Alaska, including Emmonak, Hooper Bay, Naknek, King Salmon, Igiugig, and Homer, by providing fiber access and communication facilities. Indirectly, the North Slope and Northwest communities will benefit because this system will provide redundant internet access to internet service providers, thereby limiting the effects of fiber cuts or environmental network interruptions.
Why is Quintillion building more fiber?
Optical fiber is the industry gold standard for providing internet connectivity because of its ability to deliver reliable, high-capacity, high-speed broadband with low latency. More fiber will mean more redundancy and resiliency, as well as options for internet service providers, which will increase competition and help to keep costs down. With support from the NTIA Middle Mile Grant, Quintillion’s Nome to Homer Express project will transform the way Alaskans work, learn, and play. This broadband superhighway will connect many communities across Alaska, improving service to U.S. and global interconnectivity and cloud services.
Will there be opportunities for local community members during construction?
How is the fiber being installed?
Optical fiber installation for the Nome to Homer Express project involves both subsea and terrestrial methods. Subsea cables will be laid using specialized vessels and equipment, while terrestrial installation will utilize trenching and directional drilling techniques where applicable. The installation process adheres to industry best practices for telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring the reliability and longevity of the network. Quintillion employs skilled technicians and contractors with expertise in fiber optic deployment to ensure the highest standards of installation quality and performance. In short, Quintillion’s team has many years of experience laying subsea cable and will bring that expertise to bear on this project.
Will Quintillion require facilities in each community?
Quintillion will not require many operational facilities along the Nome to Homer Express broadband project route. Telecom structures will be placed in several locations to house the cable-powering equipment. During the construction phase, facilities for equipment and cable storage will be required. Quintillion will work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to identify suitable locations and ensure that facility requirements align with community needs and regulatory requirements.
How will the project ensure respect for our cultural sites and ancestral lands?
Respect for cultural sites and ancestral lands is paramount in the planning and execution of the Nome to Homer Express project. Quintillion conducts thorough cultural resource surveys and consultations with tribal entities and cultural experts to identify and protect sensitive areas. Quintillion integrates cultural considerations into route planning and construction practices, implementing mitigation measures to avoid disturbing sacred sites and significant cultural resources.
The Nome to Homer Project is funded through an NTIA Middle Mile Grant and is a federal undertaking subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulations at 36 CFR Part 800, which require identification and consideration of potential impacts to historic properties. Quintillion is coordinating closely with Tribal governments, cultural resource specialists, and federal agencies to ensure compliance and to avoid, minimize, or appropriately mitigate impacts to cultural sites and ancestral lands.
Want to Learn More?
Get in touch with our team to learn more about the Nome to Homer Express and how it can serve your community or organization.