The telecommunications industry is critical in Alaska. It provides an essential link between people in all regions, no matter how remote, which is key to helping our communities and businesses move forward together. None of this infrastructure would exist without quality equipment and support.
According to the Alaska Telecom Association, which was first founded in 1949, Alaska’s economic future is intrinsically linked to the availability of communications services. Seventy years ago, when the Association was formed, building infrastructure was a formidable challenge. To this day, installing and maintaining long-distance communications networks is an incredibly tough job.
“The cost of constructing telecommunications networks in a land of extremes – harsh winters, short construction seasons, vast distances, lack of road systems – was daunting,” the Association says on its website. “The task was so immense that by 1979 over 200 Alaska communities still lacked basic local telephone service. It was not until the late 1980s, 40 years after ATA’s founding, that virtually every community in the State finally enjoyed local and long-distance telephone service.”
There are a number of telecommunications companies that work hard to keep Alaska’s networks functioning reliably. GCI, AT&T, Alaska Communications, Quintillion, and ASTAC are some of the key players. All of them need a trusted equipment partner, and that’s where Equipment Source, Inc. (ESI) comes in. The Fairbanks-headquartered company designs and manufactures equipment that is built Arctic tough. Our innovative products are created to help our partners get the job done.
Want to learn more? Contact our sales team today.
Alaska Telecommunications Equipment Solutions
ESI got its start back in 2000, reconditioning heaters used on the North Slope of Alaska. We realized that no-one was building the kinds of products our clients needed, so we began designing and manufacturing our own equipment. Some equipment is better suited for the job than others, so we created industry categories to simplify our customer experience: oil and gas, construction, aviation, mining, lodges, emergency preparedness, and of course, telecommunications.
Our telecommunications solutions cover everything you need to operate in extreme weather, from walk-in modules, to self-contained mobile industrial heaters, modular enclosures, re-air enclosures, propane generators, and more. Here, we’ll run you through some of our top-selling products.
With R32 walls and roof that endure in harsh weather conditions, and strong 0.25 plate steel floors, these durable and convenient structures are the perfect housing for your generator set or for other worksite needs. They come with attached fork pockets for transport ease, and the adjustable variables and features include generator integration, seismic ratings, snow loads, floor loads, interior and lighting options, and many different dimension options. Just tell us what you need.
Additional options include external fuel tanks, snow hoods, four-corner lift points for crane use, other wall insulation options, and the option for it to come disassembled for air freight.
ESI Self-Contained Mobile Industrial Heaters
We have a range of self-contained mobile industrial heaters perfect for every job site. One of our best sellers is the ES700 indirect fired air heater, which provides reliable and continuous service even in the most severe weather conditions. The diesel-fueled Carlin 301CRD burner delivers a maximum output of 770,000 BTU/hr at 4000 CFM for up to 37 hours between refuels. An extended-run oil sump extends the ES700’s oil service interval up to 3000 hours for a long run with less down time. It’s powered by an industry leading Kubota diesel engine paired with a Mecc Alte generator end.
The quality construction includes 100% 309 stainless steel fire tube & heat exchanger for quality that is second to none, 150% secondary fluid containment, and a DOT certified fuel tank. It’s designed to be easy to service, with an easy access engine compartment and standard industrial components. ESI industrial heaters can come trailer mounted or skid mounted, depending on your needs.
ESI also manufactures a range of propane generators that will keep your job site running in all conditions. One of our top sellers is the 14KW version, which has a rated speed of 1800 RPM, has an EPA Tier 4 Final Emission Certification, and runs with a Kubota WF1605 engine.
Alaska Telecommunications Equipment Partners
ESI is a solutions-focused company, and we’re committed to doing what’s required to meet the needs of our telecommunications partners. On top of our own products, we recommend brands like Thomson, Flagro, Shindaiwa, Kubota and JCB to supply the additional equipment our customers need. Here are some of the products we sell and rent at our stores in Alaska and North Dakota.
Flagro Industrial Jobsite Heaters
Flagro indirect fired heaters will keep your crew working no matter the temperature. The FV-750 models include a return air duct inlet, high static blower, integrated forklift pockets, easy-to-access burner and electrical controls, Riello burners, a 208/230 Volt one phase or 208/230 Volt three phase power supply (waterproof and emergency disconnect provided). They can achieve a 130-degree Fahrenheit temperature rise at 7,000 CFM, making them a great addition to every jobsite.
Thomson automatic transfer switches can be installed indoors or outdoors, including in Arctic environments. Thomson has been manufacturing transfer switches for more than 40 years and creates innovative designs with a track record of reliability and quality in commercial contexts.
The Shindaiwa DGK150D combines design simplicity with uncompromising standards of engineering and manufacturing excellence. This powerful generator set features a rated output of 150kVA / 120kW and provides both single and three phase voltage settings. It’s powered by a fuel-efficient Isuzu diesel engine and is exceptionally quiet thanks to advanced sound-absorbing technology.
The durable all-weather outer enclosure provides protection against the elements, and when it’s outfitted with the optional ESI-exclusive Re-Air attachment, the DGK150D will perform reliably in the coldest of temperatures. It can be mounted on skids or a trailer for ease of use.
ESI is the sole Kubota distributor in Alaska offering a full line of Kubota tractors, construction equipment, utility vehicles, and mowers. Our sales and rental team can work with you so you invest in the perfect piece of equipment for Alaskan projects and conditions. This includes tractors, compact construction equipment, compact track loaders, turf equipment, lawn and garden equipment, utility vehicles, and a variety of implements and attachments.
We also proudly stock JCB equipment. JCB is among the world’s top three equipment manufacturers and one of the primary brands we vend because of their commitment to high-quality products. We offer a variety of earth moving equipment from JCB to our customers, including teleskids, excavators, forklifts, wheel loaders, and telehandlers.
Custom Alaska Telecommunications Equipment
We recognize that every job has its quirks, and sometimes you’ll need a custom piece of equipment to get a job done. We offer a customization service. Simply fill out the form on our website and one of our engineers will get back to you about your equipment request as soon as possible. This is a great option if you need to configure a specific heater, generator or pump to complete a job.
Looking for new equipment this winter? Contact us today.
