Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Quintillion, GCI, LS Marine, SK Broadband, PTCL, Pakistan Internet
Slowdowns, among others.
GCI’s $310 Million Quintillion Fiber Acquisition Receives FCC Approval for Alaska Network Expansion
The US Federal Communications Commission has approved the proposed acquisition of Quintillion’s Alaskan submarine fiber infrastructure by GCI, subject to regulatory conditions. The transaction has an enterprise value of approximately $310 million, with provisions for reimbursement of up to $50 million in qualifying capital expenditure associated with the Nome-to-Homer Express project. Quintillion operates more than 1,800 miles of existing fiber infrastructure, with approximately 1,500 additional miles associated with planned expansion. The acquisition would strengthen connectivity across remote Alaskan communities and improve access to international and domestic network routes. The FCC’s approval includes wholesale access and contractual safeguards. Regulatory clearance does not establish that the acquisition has closed.
LS Marine and SK Broadband Sign Agreement to Strengthen 10,500-km SJC2 Submarine Cable
SK Broadband and LS Marine Solution announced on October 28 an agreement to strengthen emergency maintenance of the 10,500-kilometer Southeast Asia–Japan Cable 2 submarine network. The system connects seven Asian countries, including South Korea, Japan and Singapore. The agreement focuses on shallow-water sections near Busan, where vessel traffic and seabed conditions can complicate repairs. LS Marine will provide specialized vessels, cable recovery and installation capabilities, while SK Broadband will manage network monitoring, fault identification and repair materials. The companies intend to standardize emergency restoration procedures and improve repair readiness. The agreement does not represent a new cable installation or completed repair operation. Financial terms and response-time commitments were not disclosed.
PTCL Warns of Pakistan Internet Slowdowns During Repairs to 25,000-km AAE-1 Submarine Cable
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited warned on October 28 that internet connectivity could experience temporary slowdowns while emergency repairs proceed on the Asia-Africa-Europe 1 submarine cable. Maintenance is taking place on the section between Italy and France, with the announced repair window extending through November 2, 2026. AAE-1 spans approximately 25,000 kilometers, connecting Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Its original minimum design capacity was approximately 40 Tbps. Pakistan connects to the system through Karachi, making European cable disruptions relevant to international traffic performance. PTCL indicated that any slowdown would likely be more noticeable during peak usage periods. The operator did not quantify the capacity affected or confirm a restoration date.