GCI to receive $121.2M in broadband infrastructure grants. The grants will fund infrastructure serving 18 Alaska communities. In a significant step toward closing Alaska's digital divide, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Alaska's Final Proposal to distribute Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant award funding to connect unserved and underserved locations. The Final Proposal, which includes $121.2 million for three GCI projects, represents the most significant broadband investment in Alaska's history. "The NTIA's approval of Alaska's BEAD Final Proposal is a major milestone for Alaska and is the culmination of a years-long effort by NTIA, the state, and telecommunications providers to create an infrastructure program that benefits Alaskans," said Billy Wailand, GCI Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. "We're incredibly grateful to Senator Murkwoski, Senator Sullivan and Congressman Begich for their close collaboration with NTIA, ensuring the BEAD program took into account Alaska's unique geography and telecommunications challenges. We're also thankful for Governor Dunleavy's leadership and the dedication of the Alaska Broadband Office in securing this funding to move Alaska's broadband future forward." The vast majority of GCI's BEAD grant funding will be used to expand the AIRRAQ Network, a partnership between GCI and Bethel Native Corporation (BNC), bringing gigabit broadband service and urban pricing to 16 additional communities in Western Alaska. These communities are: Chefornak, Goodnews Bay, Kipnuk, Kongiganak, Kwigillingok, Marshall, Mekoryuk, Mertarvik, Mountain Village, Nightmute, Pilot Station, Pitkas Point, Russian Mission, Saint Mary's, Togiak, and Twin Hills. This brings the total number of communities to be served by the AIRRAQ Network to 29, with the first five communities including Bethel launched last year. "BNC's leadership, insight, and connection to the region remain absolutely essential to the continued success of the AIRRAQ Network," said Wailand. "Together, we're delivering a network shaped by community priorities and creating real, lasting opportunity across the region." GCI plans to connect BEAD-funded communities with new middle-mile fiber and existing high-capacity microwave extensions, deploying fiber-to-the-premises infrastructure within communities. "Our hybrid fiber and microwave design provides robust, reliable, and scalable connectivity in a cost-effective and sustainable manner that exceeds BEAD performance standards," Wailand said. "GCI is eager to start design, engineering, and permitting for this project, working closely with our community partners to ensure a network built to last that works for the region." GCI also received BEAD grant funding to build out additional fiber infrastructure in Anchorage and Eagle River, with plans to launch internet service in Ship Creek, Bear Valley, Rabbit Creek, and the South Fork of Eagle River. "GCI is excited to deliver high-speed, reliable Internet to more of our urban neighbors through combined investments by NTIA and GCI," said Wailand. "These projects shore up urban areas that today lack reliable, upgraded infrastructure that Alaskans expect and rely upon." Having received approval by NTIA, Alaska's Final Proposal now advances to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for review. October 20, 2022 In "Inside Bethel News" Closing the digital divide and bringing digital equity to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta a top priority. The Bethel Native Corporation (BNC) announced today (August 18th, 2021) that it would apply - in partnership with GCI, Alaska's largest telecommunications provider - to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for a $43... August 27, 2021 In "Inside Bethel News" November 2, 2022 In "Inside Bethel News"

GCI expands upgraded 5G mobile service across Alaska communities. GCI is launching upgraded 5G mobile service in communities across Alaska, improving performance, reliability and coverage and reinforcing the company's long-standing commitment to deliver - not just promise - reliable connectivity for Alaskans. Since first launching 5G in Anchorage in 2020, GCI has expanded the service to 83% of Alaskans in more than 125 communities statewide. This year alone, GCI has completed 5G upgrades in more than 100 communities across Alaska. That includes communities like Noorvik in Northwest Alaska, Tanana in the Interior, Port Lions on the Kodiak Island, and Metlakatla in Southeast Alaska, with more upgrades on the way. These upgrades - which transition communities from legacy 2G, 3G and LTE technologies to modern 5G infrastructure - reflect years of planning, engineering and on-the-ground fieldwork across the state. With upgraded 5G technology in place, GCI has greater visibility across its network, enabling more efficient traffic management, faster troubleshooting and a more consistent customer experience, even in remote areas. Leveraging its nearly five decades of experience, GCI uses every tool in its toolkit to extend connectivity across Alaska's enormous and varied landscape - from fiber to microwave to satellite. Over the past 47 years, the company has invested more than $5 billion to build and continually improve Alaska's largest and most advanced telecommunications network. This latest wave of 5G upgrades is supported in part by the Universal Service Fund's Alaska Plan program, which is designed to help providers maintain, expand and improve telecommunication services in high-cost areas. Troy Goldie, GCI Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer This is a huge step forward, but we're not done yet. By retiring older technologies and standardizing our infrastructure, we're improving performance today while setting the stage for the continued evolution of our wireless network. This is about operating a smarter network. With better tools and visibility, our teams can respond more quickly, manage performance more effectively and continue improving service over time. Billy Wailand, GCI Senior Vice President of Corporate Development Bringing modern mobile service to communities across Alaska matters because reliable connectivity isn't optional. It's part of everyday life, and our job is to make sure it's there when it matters most no matter where you live. Support through programs like the Alaska Plan help make this kind of progress possible in communities across the state. We're using that investment to deliver tangible results throughout Alaska as we work to close the digital divide and bring access to reliable connectivity to all Alaskans. Ray Sharma is an Industry Analyst and Editor at The Fast Mode. He has over 15 years of experience in mobile broadband technologies and solutions, conducting research and analysis on various technology segments and producing articles and write-ups on the latest developments within the sector. He is also in charge of social media engagement and industry liaisons. The Fast Mode 9658 likes TWEETS 28.4K FOLLOWING 3479 FOLLOWERS 13.2K