GCI is an Alaska telecommunications company founded in 1979 by Ron Duncan and Bob Walp and headquartered in Anchorage. It has offered cable television, Internet access, wireline telephone and networking, and cellular service [1].
| Founded | 1979 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Ron Duncan and Bob Walp |
| Headquarters | Anchorage, Alaska |
| Parent | Liberty Broadband Corp. |
| Services | Internet, wireline, wireless, formerly cable TV |
Overview
According to Wikipedia, GCI was founded in 1979 by Ron Duncan and Bob Walp and is headquartered in Anchorage, with Liberty Broadband Corp. as its parent. Its services have included cable TV, Internet access, wireline networking and local and long-distance telephone, and cellular telephone [1].
Alaska United fiber optic system
GCI owns the Alaska United system, which connects Anchorage and Fairbanks with Internet points of presence in Seattle and Portland. GCI leases capacity on it to other Alaska Internet providers [1].
Acquisitions and corporate changes
On December 4, 2014, GCI agreed to buy the wireless assets of Alaska Communications for $300 million, with closing expected in the first quarter of 2015. Liberty acquired the company in 2015. GCI also announced plans in 2012 to buy KTVA in Anchorage and later filed to acquire Southeast Alaska stations, and on July 31, 2020 announced its exit from television by selling the non-license assets of KTVA to Gray Television. In November 2024 Liberty Broadband announced GCI would be spun off to its shareholders as part of Liberty Broadband planned acquisition by Charter Communications [1].
Television services
GCI discontinued analog cable in Anchorage in 2008, launched the Yukon TV streaming service in November 2020, announced in December 2021 that it would end cable TV in most markets, and in November 2024 announced it would discontinue all television services by mid-2025 [1].
FAQs
Who founded GCI? Ron Duncan and Bob Walp, in 1979 [1].
Where is GCI based? Anchorage, Alaska [1].
What is the Alaska United system? A GCI-owned fiber optic system connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks with Internet points in Seattle and Portland [1].
Sources
Key facts
- Founded in 1979
- Owns the Alaska United fiber system
Quick checkWhat is GCI in Alaska?Show answer
An Anchorage-based telecommunications company founded in 1979 that provides Internet, phone and wireless service.
Sources
- Wikipedia. GCI (company) (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue