As part of a plan to bring wireless service to 4 dozen communities by 2018, GCI is upgrading its networks in western Alaska this summer.
David Morris, a spokesman for GCI, explains the first upgrade will increase the capacity of TERRA, the terrestrial broadband network that runs from Levelock to Kotzebue.
"What we'll be doing is essentially grooming the traffic to make it more efficiently carried. We'll be adding more radios to support additional capacity as well."
During the upgrade, Morris says customers may see some slowdown of internet and 3G.
"There will be some slowdown in downloads and uploads... We acknowledge that's a real possibility, which is why last Monday we began issuing vouchers to people who are affected. They can redeem that off of their internet bill."
The TERRA upgrade should be completed by June 19.
GCI is also adding 3G data coverage in 28 villages this summer.
"We'll be going throughout the 28 communities throughout western Alaska and installing the necessary equipment to allow 3G service to occur. So that'll be going on most likely up until the fall."
Late last year, Naknek got 3G service. Among the 28 villages to receive it this summer are Goodnews Bay and Togiak. Most of the other villages on the list are in the Yukon-Kuskokwim area.
The upgrades are part of an FCC award GCI got to set up 3G and 4G wireless service to 48 rural Alaska communities by 2018.