Alaska Communications Announces Alaska’s First 4G LTE Wireless Network

Alaska Communications (NASDAQ: ALSK) today announced that it is building Alaska’s fastest and most advanced 4G wireless network. Alaska Communications’ 4G LTE network will be Alaska’s first 4G LTE network with speeds up to 10 times faster than current 3G wireless networks in the state.

Today’s 4G LTE announcement builds on Alaska Communications’ technology leadership as the first company to launch high-speed wireless broadband service in Alaska in 2005 using CDMA Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) technology.

“4G LTE is the wireless standard of the future, and our build plans represent the same commitment to performance, quality and reliability for which we have long been recognized. Customers can expect a faster and more personal experience with their mobile devices on Alaska Communications’ 4G LTE network,” said Mike Todd, Alaska Communications senior vice president of technology services.

“For business customers, it means extending your office to your mobile device while on the road. For consumers, it means sharing life’s most precious moments faster and in higher-definition or experiencing gaming like you’ve never experienced it before,” said Todd.

The company previously announced its plans to invest $12 million in building the necessary backhaul infrastructure for 4G LTE. With this announcement, the company intends to invest an additional $20 million, for a total investment of $32 million to provide 4G LTE services consistent with its current coverage footprint. The company intends to fund the investment largely via cash from operations and existing cash reserves.

The company expects to turn up its 4G LTE network in a phased manner, and over the upcoming months will share more information on specific market launches of the service.

About Alaska Communications

Headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALSK), through its subsidiaries, provides Alaska Communications services and is a leading provider of high-speed wireless, mobile broadband, Internet, local, long-distance and advanced data solutions for businesses and consumers in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. The Alaska Communications network includes the most advanced wireline and wireless data and voice networks and the most diverse undersea fiber optic system connecting Alaska to the contiguous United States. For more information, visit www.alaskacommunications.com or www.alsk.com.