In rural Alaska, educators and medicos simply don't have access to resources found in urban areas. The Internet and IP technology allows them to stay connected with their peers and have access to consultants that just aren't available. Most schools in Alaska are online and we offer a managed Internet product that allows educators to get more out of it than just a computer connection. The State of Alaska has been recognized as being one of the most online state governments and goes out of its way to make government and services more accessible. Some of the major ones are Infocom in Anchorage and Comtech in Juneau.
Anchorage is the main hub for Alaska.
According to our stats, Alaskans sign up for hi-speed access at 3x the national rate. Most of our long-distance customers have been introduced to the Internet through our free, unlimited Internet service. As consumers get more comfortable with the Internet, many will upgrade to a pay Internet service with more features or to the high-speed cable modem or DSL service. And, yes Virginia, North Pole does have cable modem access. GCI in fact was started by our current CEO 20 years ago out of his partner's garage.