Alaska's publicly traded companies making strides: banks, communications companies, adding to state's economy.

• Author: Barbour, Tracy
• Position: Company overview

"We'll also continue to develop new and innovative communication technologies throughout Alaska. Much of what we're working on will bring 'gee-whiz' technologies into Alaskans' homes."

--Ron Duncan President/CEO General Communication Inc.

Alaska's publicly traded companies are among the state's largest employers, providing important contributions to the state's economy. This article provides a brief, alphabetized snapshot of each company's operations. Unless otherwise noted, assets and revenues/net income are quoted in thousands for the quarterly period ending March 31, 2006. All quoted stock prices and market capitalization (total value of the company's stock) is relevant to June 1, 2006.

Alaska Communications Systems Group Inc. provides integrated telecommunications services to individuals, businesses and wholesale customers throughout Alaska. During the first quarter of 2006, revenue increased 6.8 percent to $82.6 million from $77.4 million in first quarter 2005. Significant strides have also been made concerning debt, said David Wilson, ACS senior vice president and chief financial officer. "We reduced the debt by approximately $88 million and reduced the cost of the debt by about 2 percentage points down to about 6.4 percent," he said.

The company has experienced much of its growth in the wireless market, with first quarter 2006 revenue up 43.7 percent to a record $24.5 million. This year, ACS will spend millions of dollars to continue building out its wireless network. ACS also will be providing data services, such as broadband, in major metropolitan areas around the state. "By the time we're through, we will have covered about 80 percent of the population," Wilson said.

The company is constantly searching for ways to leverage its wireless capabilities. A prime example is ACS Unlimited Mobile Broadband, which provides wireless Internet access throughout the coverage area using the ACS Wireless Aircard. With the ACS Wireless Aircard inserted into their laptops, customers won't have to search for a 'hot spot.' ACS has soft-launched the service on the business side and will roll it out to other segments soon.

ACS also offers business customers a wireless pocket PC that lets users e-mail, surf the Web and even work on Word documents and PowerPoint presentations at high speeds. ACS also is looking to provide a mobile phone that, among other things, will allow people to download TV programs at up to 2.4 megabits per second.

"Given our data capabilities, the quality of our wireless network and the ongoing expansion of our wireless footprint, we really are the best company to service Alaskans' wireless needs," Wilson said.

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