GCI (NASDAQ:GNCMA) announced the commercial launch of its TERRA terrestrial broadband service in the Northwest Arctic borough of Kotzbue, 33 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The service is intended to improve online health, education and government services as well as the broadband data experience for residential and business users. GCI has also rolled out 3G mobile wireless services in Kotzebue.

TERRA is GCI's terrestrial broadband network serving the rural communities of western Alaska. Launched in 2010, the service reaches 72 communities and more than 43,000 residents. GCI is partnering with STG and Ericsson to construct the infrastructure needed to deliver terrestrial broadband Internet.