GCI Plans Custom Antennas Ideal for Rural Users

GCI is partnering with Kaelus, a Swedish company known for driving innovation in the wireless communications market, to bring rural Alaskans more options to keep connected in areas lacking cell service.

Kaelus partnered with GCI to create the antenna, which weighs only 50 pounds. That makes it significantly lighter than the larger-scale wireless equipment necessary in large, densely populated areas.

Lighter and More Effective

One-size-fits-all solutions are rarely the answer in Alaska, and mobile connectivity is no exception. GCI announced this month its plan to partner with Kaelus to bring custom antennas to wireless deployments in rural Alaska.

“Prior to the development of this antenna, our only option was to deploy multi-sector urban solutions in rural Alaska, which was not an efficient way to improve mobile connectivity in small, remote communities,” says GCI Principal Program Manager Chris Galipeau. “Kaelus’ new antenna design simplifies rural deployments by reducing the need for multiple sector antennas and their associated equipment. This not only cuts down on the weight and space required on towers but also minimizes power consumption and infrastructure costs.”