American Broadband to Acquire TelAlaska, Inc.

American Broadband Communications LLC (ABB) is acquiring TelAlaska, Inc., a privately held Alaska telecommunications company serving some of the most remote and geographically diverse communities in Alaska.

It is the third largest independent telephone company in the state, employing approximately 100 people full-time. Currently the company has 70 employees in Anchorage, six in Nome, nine in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, and eight in Seward. TelAlaska also has 18 agents assigned throughout the 24 rural areas it serves.

Jack Rhyner, President and CEO of the company founded by the Rhyner family in 1968, made the joint announcement in a press release today with Patrick Eudy, President and CEO of American Broadband. American Broadband is headquartered in Charlotte, NC.

“We are very pleased to welcome TelAlaska into the ABB family,” Eudy said. “TelAlaska’s motto, ‘Of Course You Can,’ speaks to the dedication of the employees to ensure residents of rural Alaska have access to high quality voice, data and video services. As I toured the company, I was amazed by the obstacles the TelAlaska team tackles to do their jobs on a daily basis. This company is a shining example of the power of teamwork, commitment to customers, and the critical role of our nation’s telecommunications policies in ensuring every citizen has access to high quality, affordable communications services for their health, social and business needs.”

Rhyner, who is a national authority on telecommunications regulation and a leader among independent local companies in Alaska, said the appeal of the transaction is compelling. TelAlaska had its best year ever in 2006 and now has operational talent in place to continue its traditions of excellence and innovation.

“I am leaving the organization in a position of strength at a time when market and regulatory challenges require the strength of a larger organization. After some 40 years, it is personally time for a change. I am looking forward to stepping back from day to day operations,” Rhyner said.

TelAlaska will operate as an independent subsidiary of ABB. Jack Rhyner will assume a new role as a management consultant on regulatory and public policy issues. His wife and business partner Donna Rhyner will leave the company to pursue other interests.

The companies expect no other changes in management or operations. The transaction is a stock purchase, with American Broadband purchasing 100 percent of TelAlaska, Inc. stock for an undisclosed amount. The transaction is subject to approvals by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska and the Federal Communications Commission. Both companies are privately held.

About American Broadband Communications, LLC
American Broadband is growing through strategic investments in rural communications companies in ways that invigorate both the companies and the areas they serve. As part of the American Broadband family, our operating telcos partner in the growth and economic vitality of their communities by providing broadband and other advanced services by contributing to and supporting new business activity and job growth. American Broadband retains local management and staff to ensure continued superior levels of service to our customers. For more information, visit www.americanbb.com.

About TelAlaska
TelAlaska is a statewide, full-service telecommunications provider whose roots were established in rural Alaska nearly 40 years ago. The company provides local and long distance telephone service; advanced data services; dial-up, DSL, and cable modem Internet service; cable television; and wireless Internet services. Headquartered in Anchorage, TelAlaska companies also have customer service and operations sites in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, Seward, and Nome and agents in more than a dozen other rural communities. For more information, visit www.telalaska.com.

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Travel in the Know!



The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has introduced 511 Travel in the Know, a telephone and Internet service to help travelers access continually updated travel information.

Types of Information Available:
• Weather-related road conditions
• Traffic incidents
• Highway construction and maintenance
• Highway closures
• Natural disasters affecting highway travel, e.g. earthquakes, avalanches, etc.
• Route-specific road conditions, e.g. Anchorage to Fairbanks
• Near real-time ferry arrival/departure information - Coming Soon!
• Overweight/oversize permit information for commercial vehicles - Coming Soon!

As the system evolves, 511 will provide additional information, such as:
• Local roads - Local traffic conditions, congestion, delays, etc.
• Public transportation

Where to Get the Information
• Dial 5-1-1 from any phone
• Visit the Web site: 511.Alaska.gov

The phone version of 511 Travel in the Know is specific to phones used within Alaska. If you want to hear the 511 Travel in the Know and you're dialing from outside Alaska,
simply dial 1-866-282-7577 (toll free).

Special Event Tent Program in Seward

TelAlaska operates a special event tent program in the summer months. There is one 8ft x 15ft, canopy-style tent available for use at various events.

The tent works well at races, festivals, picnics and many other outdoor events. Groups have been known to use it as shelter for registration tables, first aid and food service.

Organizations requesting the tent must first check on availability and then fill out the application on the following page and a Release and Waiver form. TelAlaska will return a signed copy of these documents to the applicant as proof of the reservation.

Before and after the event, TelAlaska personnel will be on hand to set-up and take down the tent to insure proper assembly and packaging.

Non-profit organizations that need to report the value of this donation may calculate $200 per day.

Download the Special Event Tent Program Application here.