Many of the current ALMR sites are constructed in areas without access to existing fiber optic cable. Additionally, using existing sites and infrastructure has substantially reduced the overall costs of implementing ALMR. Operating the ALMR system on the existing State of Alaska Telecommunications Systems (SATS) microwave backbone also provides a stand-alone communication system unencumbered by commercial traffic. Longterm development and expansion of the SATS system requires examining the incorporation of fiber optic connectivity where appropriate, especially as the private telecommunications industry continues to expand its fiber optic footprint.  In some locations, partnerships with others that have fiber optic connectivity have occurred, and there are some sites that use fiber as a backup link.