GCI of Alaska said the reach of its Long Term Evolution (LTE) network is getting extended thanks thanks to a new roaming deal with a “national wireless operator” that the company confirmed is T-Mobile.
Calling it the “nation’s first LTE roaming partnership,” GCI said the agreement will provide its wireless subs with access to LTE “from Fairbanks, Alaska to Miami, Florida.” GCI did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
“GCI is committed to meeting the growing technology needs of Alaskans, and now our capabilities of providing top data speeds on a LTE network is extended across the country,” said Paul Landes, GCI senior vice president and general manager of consumer services, in a statement. “Alaskans want access to the LTE network whether they’re at the Alaska State Fair or at CenturyLink Field in Seattle cheering the Seahawks, today, we can provide that.”
GCI ended the second quarter of 2014 with 143,400 total wireless lines in service, and generated total wireless revenues of $69 million, a figure comprised of wholesale wireless ($25 million), roaming and backhaul ($30 million) and USF support ($14 million).
T-Mobile U.S., which has about 50.5 million customers, says its 4G LTE network currently reaches 233 million people in 325 metro areas.
