GCI Statement on FCC/DOJ Settlement

GCI has been serving Alaskans for more than 40 years and we connect some of the smallest and most remote communities in the nation. As a long-time provider of Rural Health Care Program supported services, we take seriously the responsibility of being effective stewards of Universal Service Fund support. This settlement concludes several years of active discussions with Federal regulatory agencies. It reflects the result of both broad changes in program guidance and past challenges GCI identified during an extensive internal review.

The FCC recently updated its guidance for calculating rates charged under the Rural Health Care program, and this settlement specifically reflects GCI’s agreement to apply this guidance retroactively to the years 2010 through 2016.  The settlement also resolves a limited number of compliance issues related to GCI’s participation in the Rural Health Care program which GCI identified and self-reported. GCI has conducted a comprehensive internal review to ensure that appropriate protocols are in place going forward and that we are coordinating with our customers and federal agencies in the application and administration of funds.