AT&T Forms Agreements with @ASTACforAK & @CordovaTelecom; Invests Nearly $200m in #Alaska Wireless Network
It’s a Big News Day for AT&T Customers in Alaska. Alaska’s largest wireless service provider, AT&T today announced that it has:
1. Formed an agreement with the Arctic Slope Telephone Association Cooperative (ASTAC) to enhance wireless service on the North Slope of Alaska. AT&T’s expanded data network coverage will support the Alaskan Pipeline Industry’s growing need for high-speed Internet access and new mobile, app and cloud-based services in and around the North Slope.
As a part of the agreement, AT&T and ASTAC will upgrade eight cell sites in the North Slope. AT&T and ASTAC expect to upgrade two sites in late Spring and the remainder by September 2015. Once completed, AT&T’s network will help keep more customers connected in more places in the North Slope by efficiently managing available spectrum and increasing mobile broadband capacity.
“We’re always looking for new opportunities to provide the best customer experience in Alaska, and our investment in the wireless network on the North Slope is just one way we’re accomplishing that,” said Bob Bass, President, AT&T Alaska. “Upon completion of the network enhancements, AT&T customers on the North Slope will have a better wireless experience than ever before.
2. Formed an agreement with Cordova Wireless Communications to enhance its wireless voice network and expand its high-speed data network in Cordova, Alaska. The company’s expanded coverage will support the commercial fishing industry’s growing need for wireless communications, and high-speed Internet access.
As a part of the agreement, AT&T and Cordova Wireless Communications will collaborate on a strategic network build, upgrading nine existing cell sites throughout Cordova. AT&T and Cordova expect to finish the project by September 2015. Once completed, AT&T’s network will help keep more customers connected in more places and allow for new mobile, app and cloud-based services in Cordova.
The network upgrade, which will more efficiently manage available spectrum and increasing mobile broadband capacity, is a result of continued investment and innovation by AT&T. The wireless carrier is pursuing ongoing efforts to enhance the wireless capacity and performance of the mobile Internet network in Alaska.
3. Invested nearly $200 million in its best-in-class wireless network in Alaska from 2012 through 2014, driving a wide range of upgrades to enhance speed, reliability, coverage and performance for residents and business customers.
As part of its Project Velocity IP (VIP), an investment plan focused on network enhancement and expansion, AT&T in 2014 made more than 50 network upgrades in Alaska. Notable network enhancements in 2014 included launching 4G LTE high-speed service in Ketchikan, North Pole and Seward; enhancing wireless capacity by 50 percent in Kodiak to improve mobile Internet data and voice connectivity and bringing high-speed internet to customers in Delta Junction.
“With a growing range of connected home appliances, cars and wearable devices, we depend more on network connectivity than ever before,” said Bob Bass, President, AT&T Alaska. “AT&T’s continued investment in Alaska brings a host of new, innovative opportunities for residents and businesses to connect with each other and their customers.”
