The grants will fund infrastructure serving 18 Alaska communities
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – 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.
About GCI
Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested $4.7 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 45 years. Through a combination of ambitious network initiatives, GCI continues to expand and strengthen its statewide network infrastructure to deliver the best possible connectivity to its customers and close the digital divide in Alaska. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is an independent publicly traded company (Nasdaq: GLIBA, GLIBK, GLIBB) Learn more at https://www.gciliberty.com/.
Media Contact
Josh Edge
Phone: 907-575-3622
Email: jedge@gci.com
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