GCI scoops up Alaska Wireless

Telecom vendor GCI announced it acquired four-year-old Alaska Wireless Communications L.L.C. for an undisclosed sum.
Alaska Wireless, a GSM cellular provider that launched in 2003 as a locally owned and operated alternative for wireless, has service offerings in the Dutch Harbor area of Alaska.
As part of the deal, GCI made an agreement with the existing owners of Alaska Wireless to continue operating under the same name with the management team intact.
“We place a high premium in the abilities of the Alaska Wireless team,” said Ron Duncan, president and CEO of GCI. “Much of the value of our agreement comes not only from the network that’s in place, but also in the expertise, energy and vision their employees and management team will bring to our organization.”
The transaction is subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission, which both companies expect to be completed by the end of the year.
“This purchase is another step in GCI’s commitment to rural wireless expansion,” said Mark Horne, president of Alaska Wireless. “We are thrilled to join the GCI team and are committed to the continued growth of our company and the community we serve.”
GCI describes itself as an integrated telecommunications provider based in Alaska.