Particularly interesting is that the article makes no mention of AT&T Alascom (prior 1995 just Alascom).  Alascom was the sole provider of long distance communication services to rural Alaska. AT&T was the long distance carrier de jour in the United States and Alascom was AT&T's agent in that regard in Alaska.  Alascom's network utilized microwave, satellite, and undersea fiber cable. GCI got to where it is by cream skimming local services with government help at the expense of Alascom's network.  Some things never change because as the article explains GCI's rural strategy is predicated on government subsidies. And folks you are the funding source of those subsidies.