Alaska's ACS Wireless plans statewide 3G 1xEV-DO network launch with Nortel Networks

March 23, 2004

Alaska Communications Systems Group (ACS) announced today that it plans to launch Alaska's first commercially available 3G wireless data network. This network will significantly increase ACS's network capacity, and position ACS to deliver advanced data services like Web browsing and video and audio streaming to end-users over high-speed wireless connectivity as an alternate broadband access medium.

The CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network will be powered by Nortel Networks CDMA core and access technology, giving ACS wireless subscribers an experience of high-speed broadband access.

"We are thrilled to be on the forefront with this next generation wireless technology for voice and data," said Sheldon Fisher, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Alaska Communications Systems Group. "By combining the CDMA technology in to our existing asset mix of voice, Internet, entertainment and long distance, we are well positioned to play the leading role in the converged world of wireline and wireless services."

Nortel Networks is providing ACS with a complete solution - including radio, switching and core infrastructure equipment - for what is expected to be Alaska's first network to use the CDMA2000 1xEV-DO wireless standard. 1xEV-DO coverage will include Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau and other communities throughout Alaska. Anticipated commercial launch is May 2004.

"Nortel Networks congratulates ACS for its leadership in delivering CDMA 1xEV-DO technology across the state of Alaska," said Steve Searles, vice president, CDMA/TDMA marketing, Nortel Networks. "Because Nortel Networks continues to innovate, 1xEV-DO is gaining momentum and is proving to be a viable solution for operators of varying sizes in regions throughout the world."

Nortel Networks CDMA portfolio includes Nortel Networks Metro Cell base stations for wide area radio coverage; a packet-based core network featuring Nortel Networks multiservice switches; and network implementation services.

ACS is the leading integrated communications provider in Alaska, offering local telephone service, wireless, long distance, data and Internet services to business and residential customers throughout Alaska. ACS currently serves approximately 314,000 access lines, 87,000 cellular customers, 43,000 long distance customers and 46,000 Internet customers throughout the state.