GCI to end landline long-distance service in six Southeast communities

GCI Communication Corp. will discontinue landline long-distance service in six Southeast Alaska communities on or after August 1, 2026, citing rising costs for the underlying facilities needed to offer the service.

The company filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission on May 26 seeking authority to end intrastate and interstate long-distance calling in Gustavus, Hoonah, Kake, Klawock, Metlakatla, and Tenakee Springs. GCI notified affected customers on May 15 and offered to pay any fees customers incur when switching to an alternative carrier.

AT&T provides long-distance calling in all six communities, and one other long-distance provider serves Metlakatla, according to the application. GCI will continue to offer mobile wireless services in the communities.

The Federal Communications Commission must approve the discontinuance before GCI can proceed.