The Alaska FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) Cutover Team made remarkable strides in advancing critical communications infrastructure across some of the most remote and challenging environments in the United States. Recently, the team successfully engineered and installed upgraded telecommunications services using Starlink at two Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) test sites in Alaska. Their exceptional performance impressed stakeholders, resulting in an award to install an additional18 Starlink sites and convert nine locations to LTE technology.
This achievement builds on a broader modernization effort under the FAA’s FTI program to replace aging telecommunications infrastructure feeding FAA facilities nationally. The team’s work ensures reliable, high-speed connectivity for critical aviation systems, even in Alaska’s harsh and remote conditions. These upgrades are essential for maintaining safety and operational efficiency, particularly as the industry transitions from legacy analog systems to Internet Protocol (IP) solutions.
Beyond installations, the Alaska-based engineers and technicians are also engaged in site surveys, cutover preparation, and ongoing support for the FAA’s Legacy Infrastructure to Future Technologies (LIFT) initiative. Their efforts include testing new NAS transport technologies, such as LTE, and implementing innovative solutions to address challenges posed by the sunsetting of older time-division multiplexing (TDM) services.
The dedication and technical expertise of the Alaska FTI team exemplify the spirit of innovation and resilience. Their work not only strengthens the FAA’s communications backbone but also sets the stage for future advancements in aviation infrastructure.