Alaska Communications (formerly Alaska Communications Systems or ACS) is a telecommunications corporation headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. It was the first telecommunications provider in the state of Alaska to maintain a third-generation wireless network and the only provider in Alaska that owned fully incorporated infrastructure for the major telecommunications platforms; wireless communications, Internet networking, and local and long-distance phone service. Alaska Communications wireline operations include advanced data networks and an underwater fiber optic system. The Alaska Communications wireless operations included a statewide 3G CDMA network, and coverage extended from the North Slope to Southeast Alaska.
 | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Founded | 1998, Anchorage, Alaska[1] |
| Headquarters | Anchorage, Alaska |
Key people | Matthew McConnell (president and CEO) |
| Parent | ATN International |
| Website | alaskacommunications |
History
editThe company was formed in 1998, when CenturyTel announced the sale of its Alaska operations (newly acquired from PacifiCorp) to local management and Fox Paine & Company.[2] In 1999, Alaska Communications acquired Anchorage Telephone Utility from the Municipality of Anchorage.[3]
On February 3, 2014, Alaska Communications announced its purchase of TekMate.[4]
On December 4, 2014, GCI Wireless agreed to purchase the wireless assets of Alaska Communications for $300 million. The deal was completed in the first quarter of 2015.[5]
In July 2021, Alaska Communications was acquired by the Nasdaq-listed company ATN International Inc. for $343 million. [6]
Current Projects
editOn May 25, 2017, Alaska Communications announced it will be offering Internet services via OneWeb.[7]
Alaska Communications has an agreement with Quintillion to use its submarine fiber optic cable to bring new services to some of Alaska's northernmost communities: Utqiaġvik, Nome, Kotzebue, Point Hope and Wainwright.[8]
Community work
editAlaska Communications supports United Way, Junior Achievement, the University of Alaska, 90% by 2020, and FIRST in Alaska.[9] It also partners with Boys and Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska to put on Summer of Heroes, a program which awards scholarships to youth who are engaged in community service.[10]
References
edit- ^ "ACS Alaska Press Release Introducing New CEO". Archived from the original on 2007-07-03. Retrieved 2006-12-01.
- ^ "COMPANY NEWS; CENTURY TELEPHONE TO SELL ALASKA OPERATIONS". The New York Times. 1998-08-18. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2015-05-23.
- ^ "Fox Paine & Company's Alaska Communications Systems to Acquire Anchorage Telephone Utility". Retrieved 2015-05-23.
- ^ "Alaska Communications Announces Purchase of TekMate (NASDAQ:ALSK)". Archived from the original on 2017-08-30. Retrieved 2017-08-29.
- ^ "Alaska Communications Completes the Sale of its Wireless Business" (PDF) (Press release). Alaska Communications. 2015-02-02.
- ^ "Alaska Communications sold to East Coast firm and investors for $343 million". Anchorage Daily News. July 23, 2021.
- ^ "Alaska Communications Signs Memorandum of Understanding with OneWeb to Become the First Reseller in Alaska" (PDF) (Press release). Alaska Communications. 2017-05-25.
- ^ "Alaska Communications Contracts with Quintillion to Secure Fiber Optic Access for Northwest Alaska" (PDF) (Press release). Alaska Communications. 2017-03-08.
- ^ "Our Work in the Community - Alaska Communications".
- ^ "Summer of Heroes - Alaska Communications".
External links
edit- Business data for Alaska Communications Group Inc: