HILLSBORO, Ore., July 23 -- WCI Cable, Inc. has reported the first transmission of light along the submarine segment of the NorthStar Network. Alcatel Submarine Networks conducted two tests immediately following NorthStar's final submarine cable splice; the results of both tests conformed to specification, clearing the way for the start of the commissioning phase of the submarine portion of the network.
Upon completion, the NorthStar Network will be the highest capacity fiber optic backbone between the continental United States and Alaska, with more capacity than all existing fiber optic cables between the two regions combined. Able to transmit 15 Gb/s, NorthStar will provide service between Alaska and Seattle, with major points of presence in Anchorage, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Hillsboro, Ore.; Portland, Ore.; and Seattle, Wash.