Building Telecom Infrastructure to Expand Wireless Access in SE AK

When the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska needed a reliable partner to build their first telecommunications tower, they turned to STG, Inc. The project kicked-off in Wrangell, Alaska earlier this spring, marking the beginning of an ambitious network expansion that will bring fixed wireless internet to communities across Southeast Alaska. 

A Network Built by the Community, for the Community

Tlingit and Haida’s Tidal Network represents something special: a tribally-owned telecommunications initiative designed to serve Alaska Native communities with reliable internet access. Using a designated 2.5 gigahertz spectrum reserved specifically for tribal use, Tlingit and Haida is building its own network rather than waiting for outside providers. Unlike traditional carriers who lease small parcels of land for towers, the tribe is purchasing property outright — a reflection of their commitment to long-term community investment. 

When Plans Meet Reality 

Every construction project has its challenges, but this one came with a curveball that tested STG’s problem-solving abilities. The team had everything planned for a traditional crane-based tower installation, but discovered just weeks before mobilization that Wrangell’s barge ramps couldn’t support the crane’s weight. 

“We didn’t find this out until we were a couple weeks from bringing the crane onto the island,” recalls Wes Burgess, a Project Manager with STG. “The existing ramps couldn’t support the weight of the crane driving off the boat onto the land.” 

The solution? Pivot to helicopter construction — a complex operation that required quick thinking and specialized logistics. For STG, it was another day at the office. “We are not strangers to working with helicopters,” Wes notes. “We knew who to call and how to get it done.” 

Building More Than Towers 

What makes this project stand out isn’t just the technical complexity — it’s STG’s approach to community partnership. The team hired local contractors Dave Frank and Alan Frank, both Tlingit and Haida Shareholders, to handle civil work and provide ongoing support throughout the project. 

“We’re trying to use local resources and invest in the community,” explains Jay Ubben, Senior Project Manager with STG. The local team from Rock Hard Construction proved invaluable, handling excavation, hauling material to and from the site, and providing additional crew support to supplement STG’s on-site team. 

The local partnership proved valuable in ways STG didn’t initially expect. “We’ve gained the benefit of someone who’s more locally connected,” Jay explains. “They know efficient solutions to challenges we might have approached differently otherwise.” This local knowledge, combined with STG’s technical expertise, created a stronger approach to tackling complex construction challenges.  

From Forest to Network Hub 

The tower site in Wrangell started as dense, undeveloped forest land. The transformation required extensive site preparation: clearing trees, excavating soil, preparing the ground for tower installation, and placing concrete foundations. This phase alone took over a month of work, though the actual tower construction happened in just one week. 

“The towers go up very quickly, but there’s a lot of work to get to that point,” Wes explains. For STG, this type of remote infrastructure development is their specialty — with nearly 30 years of experience building in Alaska’s most challenging locations, 90% of their work happens in barge and air-access only sites. The team works in about 30 rural communities annually, tackling everything from communication tower installations to wind energy projects above the Arctic Circle.  

Looking Ahead 

This first tower is just the beginning. With a $50 million federal grant and a four-year timeline, the tribe plans to build 20-30 towers across Southeast Alaska.  

“We’re committed to being their long-term partner throughout this entire network expansion,” Jay says. “STG’s goal is to serve as the Tidal Network’s general contractor and to self-perform the majority of construction work for all the towers they’re planning.” 

When obstacles arise on remote construction projects, STG’s approach is simple: adapt and find a solution. The tower installation required both technical expertise and the flexibility to pivot from crane construction to helicopter operations when infrastructure limitations emerged. 

As the Tidal Network expands across Southeast Alaska, it will bring economic opportunity, community ownership, and reliable internet access to areas that have long been underserved. This first tower establishes the foundation for a network that could transform connectivity throughout the region.