Cordova Wireless Communications (CWC) is pleased to announce that cellular service at our new Katalla remote site has come online this month. This site greatly improves cellular coverage and performance near the Copper River Flats and the surrounding area. Additionally, the site includes a weather camera that will be available for pilots, mariners, and the community.
The Katalla site is the first of six new remote microwave towers built as part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture ReConnect broadband grant the Cordova Telecom Cooperative (CTC) received to bring high-speed internet to Yakutat. Additional sites are located near Suckling, Yakataga, Icy Bay, and Yakutat. As the remaining towers are completed, CTC will be adding weather cameras to all locations to expand visibility, collaborating with government agencies to expand emergency services like very high frequency (VHF), and adding more cellular to help light up the Lost Coast.
“Enabling cellular services at Katalla is a big win for our fishing fleet and the community since it significantly expands our coverage on the Copper River flats,” said Aaron Hansen, remote site technician at CTC. “Fisherman will benefit from five bars of cellular coverage, and this will be monumental for the safety and wellbeing of the fleet and everyone exploring the Delta. You should even be able to see the site on a clear day from the Softtuk area.”
Cellular service extends beyond 20 miles from the site, ensuring strong cellular coverage along the Copper River Flats, the mouth of the Copper River, the North side of Kayak Island, and south towards Cape Suckling.
“The Lost Coast towers will allow a level of visibility to this region that has never been available before. The weather cameras will show multiple views for pilots and the community, which will allow people to make for accurate, real-time decisions in an area known for quick and unpredictable weather,” said Stephen Phillips, CTC’s chief technology officer.
The Katalla site runs cellular bands 5 & 12; providing service for AT&T, CWC, and FirstNet customers. Next year, CWC plans to continue the expansion of coverage by deploying several new cellular sites, including at the Whitshed Marina, Cape Yakataga, and the Yakutat Airport.
Jeremiah Beckett is the CEO of Cordova Telecom Cooperative and Cordova Wireless Communications.
