As the 2024 Alaska cruise season draws to a close, Sitka, one of the most popular cruise destinations in the region, is grappling with a significant technology crisis. On Thursday, August 29, 2024, at around 11:25 a.m. local time, the city experienced a widespread internet and cell service outage. This disruption, caused by a break in an underwater fiber optic cable located 30 miles off Sitka's coast, is expected to last approximately two weeks.
GCI Alaska, the region's main internet and cell service provider, confirmed the cause of the outage and announced that a repair ship is en route to the site. The vessel is anticipated to arrive by September 6, 2024, with repairs potentially taking up to a week to complete. The last similar incident in Sitka occurred in 2013, with repairs taking 12 days.
In response, local officials are establishing emergency hotspots across Sitka using Starlink Internet equipment provided by Tidal Network. Priority is being given to essential services such as hospitals and rescue operations. Eventually, a community hotspot is planned for the local library to ensure residents can access the internet. Despite the outage, emergency services remain operational, and residents and visitors can still dial 911 from both cell phones and landlines.
This outage coincides with the peak of the Alaska cruise season. Sitka's port, which can accommodate up to three cruise ships and over 13,000 guests daily, is expected to see a significant impact. Although cruise operations will continue, visitors may encounter disruptions, particularly with credit card transactions and ATM services, which could be slow or unavailable. Cruise guests are advised to carry sufficient cash and make prior arrangements with their companions, as cell service will be limited.
Moreover, local tour providers might face challenges due to the outage, potentially affecting communication and scheduling. As a precaution, cruise passengers are encouraged to book shore excursions through their cruise lines, which may help mitigate any issues caused by the outage.
