AT&T plans to cut service to 42 more Alaska villages, saying GCI will suffice

AT&T Alaska says that declining phone business in rural communities from Akutan to White Mountain is prompting it to propose an end to Alascom intrastate long distance telephone services in 42 villages, which will affect 500 residential and 1,400 business customers.

Here is the AT&T filing with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, which is accepting public comments on the plan.

This follows a 2023 decision to end service to 15 villages.

GCI, and other companies in some instances, are already providing services, AT&T said.

It wants to stop its operations by November 30 or whenever it gets approval from the RCA. AT&T uses satellite-based facilities and earth stations for this part of its business. GCI also offers wireless service in the 42 villages.

The filing says that GCI offers long distance service for 10 cents a minute, while AT&T charges 33 cents for the first minute and 13 cents a minute after that.

Revenue from the communities has steadily declined for years and now totals about $190,000, about $377 per month for each community.

“This decrease may likely be the result of increased wireless options as well as wireline competitors offering competitive rates with quality service,” AT&T said. “AT&T Alaska long-distance service is no longer chosen by most residents and businesses in the 42 communities.”

RCA bought the Alaska Communication System from the Air Force in 1970. Since then there have been several corporate makeovers. The company is Alascom Inc. doing business as AT&T Alaska.

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