Company History

GCI Liberty consists of its wholly owned subsidiary GCI. GCI Holdings, provides a full range of data, mobile, voice, and managed services to residential customers, businesses, governmental entities, and educational and medical institutions primarily in Alaska under the GCI brand. Due to the unique nature of the markets it serves, including harsh winter weather and remote geographies, its customers rely extensively on its systems to meet their communication, public safety and entertainment needs.

Since its founding in 1979 as a competitive long-distance provider, GCI Holdings has consistently expanded its product portfolio and facilities to become the leading integrated communication services provider in markets it serves. Its facilities include redundant and geographically diverse digital undersea fiber optic cable systems linking its Alaska terrestrial networks to the networks of other carriers in the lower 48 contiguous states and a statewide wireless network.

The Evolution of GCI Liberty

  • 1979

    GCI incorporated in Alaska, founded by Bob Walp and Ron Duncan.

  • 1982

    GCI constructs facilities and carries its first long distance  call Thanksgiving  Day.

  • 1987

    GCI goes public (NASDAQ: GNCMA).

  • 1991

    GCI purchases  capacity on the  North Pacific  Cable linking  Alaska to the  Lower 48 States.

  • 1996

    GCI purchases cable television companies, allowing GCI to add Video to service suite.

  • 1998

    GCI begins construction of  Alaska United Fiber Optic  Cable System linking Alaska to the Lower 48 states.

  • 2004

    GCI signs agreement to sell Dobson Communications wireless services in Alaska.

  • 2011

    GCI launches  4G through  HSPA+.

  • 2013

    GCI and ACS form the Alaska Wireless Network (“AWN”).

  • 2015

    One gigabit residential data speeds launched in Anchorage.

    GCI purchases  ACS’ remaining  1/3rd interest in  AWN.

  • 2016

    FCC approves the “Alaska Plan” for High-Cost support reform.

    GCI signs long-term roaming and backhaul agreements with wireless roaming  partners.

  • 2017

    Liberty Interactive announces agreement to acquire GCI.

  • 2018

    Transaction with Liberty Interactive closes and GCI Liberty trades publicly.

  • 2020

    Liberty Broadband and GCI Liberty merged.

    GCI launches Alaska’s first 5G service in  partnership with Ericsson.

  • 2024

    Announced Liberty Broadband merger with Charter and GCI Liberty Spinoff.

  • 2025

    Proposed Spinoff in late Q2 / early Q3.

Looking for