Geographic Buildout Requirements Untenable in Alaska, Carrier Says
The FCC Wednesday posted a petition by the Alaska Wireless Network (AWN), and parent General Communication, Inc. (GCI) that asked for revised buildout rules for a single lower 700 MHz A-block license covering the entire state. The Wireless Bureau this…
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week sought comment on the petition (see 1612120049). “As the Commission knows, it is extremely difficult to provide wireless coverage or, indeed, any other form of terrestrial telecommunications service in rural Alaska,” AWN said. “In the case of the Commission's Lower 700 MHz geographic build-out requirements, this challenge is compounded by the vast tracts of unpopulated land that cover most of Alaska. These realities make it virtually impossible for any statewide licensee in Alaska to meet the Commission's construction deadlines, if these rules are rigidly applied.” AWN said while geographical requirements aren’t achievable, it will commit to cover at least 50 percent of the population, representing more than 350,000 Alaskans. “Acquiring the 700 MHz license in June 2016 provided GCI with an important tool to advance its effort to bring wireless service to remote areas of Alaska,” the company said. “This license will allow GCI to reach more Alaskans at lower cost, to expand its current coverage radii around many rural communities, and to improve indoor coverage.”