GCI Holdings announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Quintillion in a transaction valued at approximately $310 million, strengthening fiber infrastructure and network reliability across Alaska.
The acquisition will combine Quintillion’s more than 1,800 miles of existing subsea and terrestrial fiber, along with approximately 1,500 miles of planned expansion, with GCI’s statewide telecommunications network. The integration is expected to enhance connectivity across some of the most remote and challenging operating environments in North America.
The combined network will enable a more resilient, ringed architecture that allows traffic to automatically reroute during disruptions, reducing outage risk and improving service reliability for communities that depend on telecommunications for healthcare, education, public safety, and daily life.
Following the close of the transaction, GCI will operate the unified network, leveraging its Alaska-based operations team and decades of experience managing fiber, microwave, and satellite systems in harsh conditions. Centralized management is expected to improve performance, streamline maintenance, and strengthen accountability during outages and restoration efforts.
The transaction also supports expanded broadband access across underserved regions. By combining private investment with federal and state funding programs, GCI plans to extend high-capacity infrastructure into areas that are traditionally difficult or uneconomical to serve. The company will continue ongoing grant-funded projects initiated by Quintillion and integrate them into its broader network strategy.
In addition to commercial benefits, the enhanced network is expected to support critical national infrastructure needs. Alaska’s strategic location and operational challenges make reliable communications essential for defense, emergency response, aviation, maritime operations, and government services. The combined network aims to improve redundancy and resilience in support of these mission-critical functions.
Under the terms of the agreement, GCI will acquire 100% of Quintillion’s equity for an enterprise value of $310 million, with additional potential earnout payments tied to future financial performance. GCI will also provide a $160 million unsecured loan to Quintillion shortly after signing, along with reimbursement of up to $50 million in qualifying capital expenditures related to infrastructure projects.
The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Existing customer relationships and service arrangements are expected to continue without disruption following completion.
KEY QUOTES:
“This combination is more than the sum of its parts. By bringing together complementary fiber routes, deep operational expertise, and long-term investment under one operating model, we’re building a network that is stronger, more resilient, and better suited to Alaska’s realities than either company could deliver on its own.”
Billy Wailand, Senior Vice President Of Corporate Development, GCI
“Quintillion set out to build resilient, Arctic-ready fiber infrastructure in some of the most challenging operating environments in the world, and I’m incredibly proud of the network and business our team has built. GCI brings Alaska expertise, long-term commitment, and the operational scale needed to carry this network forward. We’re confident these assets will be in good hands.”
Mac McHale, President, Quintillion
