Businessweek

General Communication, Inc. offers communication services in Alaska. The company offers facilities-based local and long-distance voice services, wireless telephone services, video services, data and Internet access to residential and business customers across the state under its GCI brand. The company’s 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. Its network provides access for both global system for mobile communications (GSM) and code division multiple access (CDMA) based devices, and fourth generation HSPA+ based wireless communications. As of December 31, 2011, the company had approximately 87,900 long-distance customers, 138,100 local access lines in service, 142,600 basic video subscribers, 139,900 wireless subscribers and 119,400 cable modem subscribers. Segments The company’s five segments are Consumer, Network Access, Commercial, Managed Broadband, and Regulated Operations. Consumer Segment The Consumer segment offers a range of voice, video, data, and wireless services and products to residential customers. Long-Distance: The company is a full-service long-distance provider including intrastate, interstate and international calling. Local Access: The company offers local access services in various communities and areas in Alaska. The company’s own digital local phone service (DLPS) facilities and collocated remote facilities that access the ILEC unbundled network element (UNE) loops allows it to offer full featured local service products to customers. The company offers service using total service resale of the ILEC’s local service or UNE platform. Video Services and Products: The company offers a range of video services over its broadband cable systems. Basic cable: The company’s basic video service consists of digital basic service with access to between 13 and 21 channels of programming and an expanded digital basic service with access to between 40 and 102 additional channels of programming. These services generally consist of programming provided by national and local broadcast networks, national and regional cable networks, and governmental and public access programming. High-definition television: The company’s high definition television (HDTV) service provides its subscribers with improved, high-resolution picture quality, improved audio quality and a wide-screen, theater-like display. The company’s HDTV service offers a selection of high-definition programming with access of up to 114 high-definition channels, including most major broadcast networks, national cable networks, premium channels and national sports networks. Digital video recorder: The company’s advanced digital video recorder service lets digital video subscribers select, record and store programs and play them at whatever time is convenient. digital video recorder service also provides the ability to pause and rewind ‘live’ television. Premium channel programming: The company’s premium channel programming service, which includes cable networks, such as Home Box Office, Showtime, Starz and Cinemax, generally offers, without commercial interruption, feature motion pictures, live and taped sporting events, concerts and other special features. Video on demand: The company’s video on demand service permits its video subscribers to order at their convenience and for a separate fee, individual feature motion pictures and special event programs, on an unedited, commercial-free basis. Pay-per-view programming: The company’s pay-per-view service permits its video subscribers to order, for a separate fee, scheduled individual feature motion pictures and special event programs, such as professional boxing, professional wrestling and concerts, on an unedited, commercial-free basis. Data Services and Products Internet: The company primarily offers high-speed cable modem service. Value-added Internet features, such as email virus prevention, personal Web site and domain hosting, and additional e-mail accounts, are available for additional charge