On the Road to 10G, Alaska Looks More Like the ‘First Frontier’
In a huge step forward for Alaskan connectivity, GCI announced this week it will double the internet speeds it currently offers and plans to deliver 2 gigabit internet access to 77% of Alaskans in 2022. GCI CEO Ron Duncan also noted that the ISP is on track to provide 10 gigabit speeds to its footprint in the next five years as the cable industry continues its work towards getting Americans to next generation connectivity through the cable industry’s 10G initiative. "When I started GCI more than 40 years ago, Alaska lagged far behind the rest of the nation in basic connectivity," said GCI CEO
Alaska’s GCI Will Extend Fiber Service to Remote Aleutian Islands
Over the past few months, we’ve seen firsthand the power that broadband networks have in delivering services usually only available in person. From telemedicine to remote work to distance learning, 2020 has shone a spotlight on the critical role broadband plays in modern life. That’s why it’s more important than ever for America’s broadband leaders to continue working to close the digital divide. An example of getting broadband to the most remote areas is a new project from Alaskan broadband provider GCI to bring terrestrial fiber broadband to the remote Aleutian Islands in southwest Alaska
GCI Tackles COVID-19 Challenges to Keep Rural Alaska Connected
NCTA enters its 11th week of tracking network performance nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, and broadband networks continue to provide the vital connections that millions of Americans need to learn and work from home. From large cities to rural villages, in many cases fast and robust internet has allowed for businesses to proceed remotely and for distance learning to take place. But in some areas of the country, just keeping the internet running is a huge undertaking under normal circumstances. Tack on a global health crisis, and the obstacles to establishing and maintaining
The Fast-Paced Life of a GCI Technician During COVID-19
NCTA continues to report weekly on network performance throughout the pandemic as a large portion of people across the country are still working from home and students close out their school years online. Broadband networks remain strong and steady, but it is cable's frontline technicians who are out in the field partaking in all kinds of ventures to make sure that households and businesses are experiencing the speeds and capacity they need. This week, we'd like to shine a spotlight on another unsung hero out in Anchorage, Alaska, who is doing all of that while also giving those Alaskans
GCI Turns Alaska into the 'First Frontier' with 5G Service
Alaska has some of the most remote regions in the United States, with formidable weather and vast terrain that make bringing connectivity to parts of the state a challenge and huge undertaking. However, through GCI's deployment of high-speed internet to these areas, the Alaskan provider has allowed businesses, entrepreneurs, schools, and hospitals to thrive, boosting the quality of life for many residents there. In 2011, GCI built the TERRA network over 3,300 miles of land, bringing terrestrial broadband to 84 communities. Then in 2016, GCI brought gigabit service to Anchorage, and from there
What Cable Operators Are Doing to Close the Digital Divide in Rural America
On Tuesday, NCTA in cooperation with the Rural Broadband Caucus will gather policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the successful strategies and projects that cable operators are using to close the digital divide in rural America. There isn't a more critical time to hold this conversation than the present. While most American households can access a broadband connection, six percent of all Americans and 26 percent in rural America remain unconnected to high internet speeds (25 Mbps or more) and are missing out on the promises and benefits the internet offers. Extending robust broadband
Dogs, Snow, and Internet: GCI Connects the Iditarod Race
Every March, for the past 46 years, more than 50 dog sled teams gather in Anchorage, Alaska, to make the journey towards Nome in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The race is Alaska's biggest sporting event, so it's no surprise that many natives treat it like many people treat the Superbowl. They gear up to cheer on the "mushers" (the dog sled riders) by painting their faces like huskies, donning foam fingers and dog ears, tailgating, and preparing meals for the mushers at the checkpoints. And every year, GCI—the state's largest internet service provider—works to bring internet connectivity to
America's ISPs Are Bringing Rural America Up to Speed
Tomorrow, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing to explore the opportunities and challenges of deploying broadband in rural America. This is an issue that America's cable broadband providers are currently tackling, and a critical discussion that will explore creative ways to continue connecting every community. The conversation is also a timely one in light of recent discussions concerning the Farm Bill reauthorization and how broadband funds should be administered by the USDA Rural Utilities Service in order to be most effective in helping to bring
How High-Speed Internet is Improving Education in Rural Schools
Many schools today look a lot different than they used to. High-speed connectivity is encouraging the adoption of 1-to-1 laptop and Bring-Your-Own-Device programs in schools, as well as reputable online learning programs like the Khan Academy, a well-known video lecture site for classroom instruction. But where technology and a broadband connection are having a huge impact in education are in the schools that reside in the most remote parts of the nation. These are communities where miles and miles of land might separate one household from its closest neighbor, or where harsh weather or
Hollywood Creative Forum: Inspiring and Developing Diverse Voices in Film and TV
The 9th annual Hollywood Creative Forum (HCF) concluded this week in Beverly Hills, and while every year brings intriguing discussions around diversity in TV and mentorship for diverse content creators, this year the conversation opened up even more. The Forum, hosted by The Walter Kaitz Foundation, is a once-a-year event when mid-career creatives along with veterans in the industry gather to foster diversity and creativity in the media and entertainment industries. “It’s an event designed for proven content creators who are looking to advance in Hollywood through career development and
