Alaska Communications Expands Broadband Access, Bringing Improved Connectivity to 100,000 Locations Across the State
In a significant step toward enhancing digital connectivity across Alaska, Alaska Communications has announced an ambitious plan to expand its broadband services to approximately 100,000 homes and businesses in key regions, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and the Kenai Peninsula. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to closing the digital divide and ensuring that Alaskans have access to reliable, high-speed internet. By leveraging cutting-edge fiber-fed, fixed wireless technology, Alaska Communications aims to deliver faster speeds, unlimited data, and dependable service to underserved communities.
The new broadband service promises impressive performance, with download speeds of up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 100 Mbps. These capabilities will empower residents and businesses to meet the demands of modern life, whether it’s running a business, working or learning remotely, attending telehealth appointments, streaming entertainment, connecting smart devices, or engaging in online gaming. The expansion underscores Alaska Communications’ dedication to providing affordable, high-quality internet with local support—a critical need for a state where connectivity challenges have long been a barrier to economic growth and quality of life.
A Commitment to Reliable, Affordable Connectivity
According to Paul Fenaroli, President and CEO of Alaska Communications, the company’s mission is deeply rooted in addressing the needs of Alaskans. “We hear from residents across the state that they want reliable, unlimited internet service. If it matters to Alaskans, it matters to us,” Fenaroli emphasized. “With fixed wireless internet access backed by our state-of-the-art fiber network, we’re able to give Alaskans a reliable option for connecting their businesses and homes at affordable rates with local support.”
The new service package includes several standout features designed to meet the diverse needs of users:
- Speed You Can Count On: With download speeds of up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 100 Mbps, customers can enjoy seamless connectivity for all their online activities.
- Unlimited Data: Unlike many providers, Alaska Communications does not impose data caps, throttling, or overage fees, ensuring uninterrupted service for heavy users.
- Reliability Through Innovation: Advances in fixed wireless technology eliminate the need for line-of-sight connections, making it easier to deliver strong signals even in challenging terrains.
- Affordable Pricing: Competitive flat monthly rates make high-speed internet accessible to more households and businesses.
- No Hidden Costs: Installation and equipment are provided free of charge with a term agreement, reducing upfront expenses for customers.
- Local Support: Services are installed and maintained by Alaskan teams, ensuring personalized assistance and quicker response times.
- Small Business Solutions: Businesses can bundle broadband with other services, such as Microsoft 365, helpdesk support, and cybersecurity tools, to enhance productivity and security.
Fenaroli highlighted the transformative impact of this initiative on both businesses and families. “For businesses, it opens the door to enhanced productivity, better customer service, improved security, and the ability to compete in our digital-first economy,” he explained. “For families, this means smoother streaming, faster downloads, and more reliable connections for remote work, online learning, and everyday use.”
Anchorage Expansion: A Focus on Key Neighborhoods
Alaska Communications has already begun rolling out its high-speed broadband service in select neighborhoods of Anchorage. Residents and businesses in downtown Anchorage, Government Hill, Mountain View, and Airport Heights can now take advantage of the upgraded service. Additional areas, including the Anchorage hillside, midtown, and south Anchorage, are slated to become eligible later this summer. By the end of 2025, the company plans to bring this advanced connectivity to 50,000 locations in Anchorage alone.
“The Anchorage market is seeing demand for high-speed alternatives to cable internet,” Fenaroli noted. “Competition is good for Alaska, and we’re excited to build on our more than 120-year history to support Alaskans in new ways.”
Expanding Beyond Anchorage
While Anchorage represents a significant portion of the rollout, Alaska Communications is also focusing on expanding its fiber-fed fixed wireless network to other parts of the state. Later this year, the company plans to improve or introduce similar services in Fairbanks, Juneau, and the Kenai Peninsula. These efforts align with Alaska Communications’ broader strategy to enhance connectivity across urban and rural areas alike, fostering economic development and improving the quality of life for residents statewide.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Alaska
The push to expand broadband access comes at a crucial time when reliable internet has become essential for nearly every aspect of daily life. From enabling remote work and education to supporting telehealth services and powering smart home technologies, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. For Alaska, a state known for its vast and rugged terrain, delivering consistent and affordable connectivity has historically been a challenge. However, Alaska Communications’ investment in next-generation fixed wireless technology demonstrates how innovation can overcome these obstacles.
By eliminating data caps, offering competitive pricing, and providing local support, Alaska Communications is addressing common pain points faced by customers. The company’s focus on affordability and accessibility ensures that more Alaskans—whether in urban centers or remote areas—can benefit from the opportunities that come with reliable, high-speed internet.
About Alaska Communications
Alaska Communications, an affiliate of ATN International, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNI), is a leading provider of mission and life-critical communications infrastructure in Alaska. The company operates a robust and advanced statewide fiber network and a highly diverse undersea fiber optic system that connects Alaska to the contiguous U.S.
