GCI Builds in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- GCI (NASDAQ:GNCMA) officials today announced the plan to build a new $30 million fiber optic network in Southeast Alaska. The 754 miles of cable will connect Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Angoon and Sitka to the Alaska United West line currently connecting Alaska to the lower 48. The cable will also provide a second fiber link to Juneau, creating a SONET ring which provides alternative routing and overflow traffic handling capabilities.

"This fiber optic network will provide new and faster services to over fifty thousand people in Southeast Alaska," said Richard Dowling, GCI senior vice president, corporate development. "The addition to our network is another important step in creating and maintaining a robust telecommunications network."

Residents in Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka and Angoon are currently serviced through microwave and satellite networks. Once the fiber link to these communities is complete, space will be freed up on the microwave and satellite network, allowing other rural communities to increase their speed and access to services.

"The quality of life and the potential for economic diversity increase as community access to telecommunications services increase," said Dowling. "From small business owners looking to increase their client base to employees who can be hired to work remotely via telecommunications, a robust network positively affects all Alaskans."

General Communication Inc. (GCI) (Nasdaq: GNCMA)