And just like that, 2024 is coming to a close. This year, we expanded our network to some of the most remote areas in the state, continued our efforts to close the digital divide, empowered local businesses in our communities, and helped bring Broadway to classrooms. It’s been an impactful year, and we’re confident that 2025 will be even better.
We’re proud to share our expertise in telecommunications technology across Alaska. As we wrap up the year, we’re reflecting on the most popular content from the GCI Blog.
1. The Latest in Innovative Aviation Safety Technology: Powered by GCI
Meet Aurora, the robotic helper, weighing in at 72 pounds and reaching speeds of about 3 mph. Safety is always a top priority, and Alaska presents its own unique challenges. With more airports than any other state and aviation playing a major role here, ensuring the safety of pilots and passengers has become paramount.
Since most airports are in very remote areas, wildlife can be a safety hazard for our aviation industry. It’s been found that birds are a large concern during a plane’s takeoff and landing. To help keep passengers safe and manage wildlife activity, the State of Alaska (SOA) is testing a Boston Dynamics robot “dog” named Aurora, at the Fairbanks International Airport.
2. Building internet networks for rural Alaska schools
Education is rapidly changing and requires connectivity more than ever. From remote learning to computer-based lessons, educators and students need reliable and accessible internet. At GCI, we are committed to bringing connectivity to Alaskans across the state, including the most rural parts. We work hard to understand the unique demands of the communities we serve and their educational needs.
Earlier this year, Jason Tomberlin, Senior Director of GCI Education, sat down for a conversation about connectivity for rural schools with Jason R. Johnson, Galena City School District Superintendent and Heath Day, GCSD Director of Talent Relations & Recruitment, to discuss the importance of reliable connections for rural Alaska and education.
3. It doesn’t take a magic carpet to bring Broadway to classrooms across Alaska
GCI partners with the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts and Broadway Alaska to bring the Broadway experience to classrooms across Alaska. Earlier this year, Alaska students had the opportunity to virtually meet members of the cast and crew of the popular production of “Disney’s Aladdin.” GCI is proud to partner with ACPA to make this webinar available to Alaska students right in the classroom!
When GCI first agreed to sponsor the Broadway Alaska program that has brought award-winning plays including “Hamilton,” “Come From Away,” and “SIX: The Musical” to Alaska, we wanted to make sure we provided opportunities for all Alaskans to experience the magic and the talent of Broadway. We also wanted to make sure that students in classrooms across the state could learn more about Broadway as well as hear from professionals in the field about the possible career paths in the arts.
Credit Union 1: Supporting Alaska for over 70 years
4. Building partnerships with the Alaska Oil and Gas Association
In Alaska, the success of a business isn’t just about hard work, it’s about having the right partners who understand the unique challenges of living, working, and operating in this state. One such partner is the Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA), a leader in advocating for responsible energy development. GCI and AOGA, both deeply rooted in Alaska, have long been committed to supporting local industries that form the backbone of the state’s economy. GCI recognizes the importance of partnering with organizations, like AOGA, that have built a foundation here, from the ground up.
AOGA has been called the voice of Alaska’s oil and gas industry for nearly six decades. AOGA is a business advocacy organization that works with companies, government agencies, and communities to advance responsible oil and gas development in the state, advocate for the industry, and help Alaskans understand the industry and its importance to the state and economy.
5. Alaska’s Biggest Esports Tournament Celebrates New Champions
Gamers from all around the state brought their competitive edge and rallied together for an exhilarating showdown in the Last Frontier earlier this year. The Northern Lights Invitational, Alaska’s biggest Esports Tournament, drew in 184 top-tier gamers eager to battle it out for a share of the $25,000 prize pool spread across three action-packed weekends.
The Northern Lights Invitational was designed for Alaskans by Alaskans. Teams of Alaskan residents played Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) as they participated in the Esports Tournament. GCI hosted the events on local servers connected to GCI’s Fiber+ network for a low-latency gaming experience. CS2: GO has a loyal following and continues to be one of the most popular games on Steam. Last year’s competition left teams eager for a chance to strike back, GCI was excited to host the tournament again.
Thank you for looking back on the top five blog posts of 2024 with us. We look forward to sharing more content with you in the new year. Don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be notified when new blog posts are published!