Alaska Communications deepens investment in Alaska’s interior region

Alaska Communications is working with Delta Junction-based fixed wireless provider, Vertical Broadband to enhance internet availability in Delta Junction.

“We’re passionate about serving Alaskans in rural communities who’ve long struggled to get the speeds they need to keep up with life’s demands,” said Tony Dodge, vice president, network planning for Alaska Communication. “By absorbing Vertical Broadband’s network footprint in Delta Junction, we can provide cost savings and faster speeds to its customers, while continuing to improve our own internet service in the community.”

Alaska Communications’ service in Delta Junction offers speeds up to 50Mbps and up to 90Mbps. The company is in the process of upgrading its fixed wireless network equipment which will deliver speeds up to 300Mbps. This upgrade should be available in Delta Junction by the end of this summer.

“This upgrade will provide the community with the speeds and reliability they’ve long needed,” said Dodge. “Fixed wireless service is more reliable than direct-to-consumer satellite options and includes drastically lower, if any, startup costs for customers.”

While fixed wireless and satellite both transmit service to customers from a distribution point, the differentiator is the distance between those points.

“With a fixed wireless tower just miles from your home, you’ll experience lower latency versus satellite,” said Dodge. “Low latency is important for things like telehealth appointments, online meetings and classes, and gaming.”

Vertical Broadband customers will need to create an account with Alaska Communications. The company will reach out to customers with details on how to set up an account beginning in early April 2024.
Residents of Delta Junction can learn more and show interest at www.alaskacommunications.com/FiWi.

Ongoing investment in the interior

Since 2017, Alaska Communications has deployed high-speed internet to more than 25,000 unserved or underserved locations statewide, through the CAF II program. This includes many interior communities, including Delta Junction, Fairbanks, Nenana, North Pole and Salcha. The company is also participating the Alaska FiberOptic Project, a first-of-its-kind collaboration which will bring high-speed fiber internet to eight communities in the Yukon River region of Alaska’s interior for the first time, creating new economic opportunities.

 
About Alaska Communications
Alaska Communications, an affiliate of ATN International, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNI), is the leading provider of advanced broadband and managed IT services for businesses and consumers in Alaska. The company operates a highly reliable, advanced statewide data network with the latest technology and the most diverse undersea fiber optic system connecting Alaska to the contiguous U.S. For more information, visit www.AlaskaCommunications.com.
 
Media Contact
Heather Marron
Manager, Corporate Communications
Heather.Marron@acsalaska.com