Intelsat, the satellite and terrestrial network operator, has signed an expanded satellite services agreement with GCI, Alaska’s largest telecommunications company, that will soon deliver multi-orbit broadband services throughout the largest state in the U.S.
“Four years ago, Intelsat and GCI entered into an agreement that dramatically increased the size and speed of GCI’s geostationary satellite network in rural Alaska and cemented GCI as the state’s leader in satellite connectivity,” commented Mike DeMarco, Chief Commercial Officer. “This new chapter of our partnership expands our agreement to include next-generation low-Earth orbit satellite services and leverages the best of what Intelsat has to offer.
GCI has delivered satellite-based connectivity for 35 years and has the largest footprint of satellite-delivered data, video and voice services in Alaska. The deal with Intelsat ensures GCI aims to meet the growing demands of customers including regional tribal health care providers, school districts, government agencies, and businesses. The agreement provides GCI continued access to reliable C-, Ku-, and Ka-band GEO service, which is already part of GCI’s satellite service portfolio, and access to high-throughput LEO service managed by Intelsat.
“For over a decade, GCI and Intelsat have been working together to meet the evolving needs of GCI’s satellite customers and to bring the best technology to the table,” added GCI Senior VP of Corporate Development Billy Wailand. “Our expanded agreement will give GCI access to Intelsat’s broad portfolio of proven, high availability GEO services, next-generation LEO service, and deep expertise in managed satellite services.”
Delivering service in Alaska requires a toolkit includes fiber and microwave, as well as GEO and LEO satellite services. GCI will rely on wholesale satellite capacity as well as Intelsat’s fully managed solutions. Those managed services allow GCI to bring their own solutions to market without the need to invest in additional satellite ground infrastructure to provide connectivity for end customers.
