Line Extension Policy

This Policy may be revised by posting an updated version on Alaska Communications’ website at https://www.alaskacommunications.com/LineExtension (the page you are currently viewing). Updates will be effective on posting.

Alaska Communications currently offers eligible customers an allowance of $1,000 (the “Allowance”) to offset the costs of line extensions necessary to establish or expand regulated voice service within Alaska Communications certificated serving area. A line extension may be required if existing Alaska Communications infrastructure does not reach the Customer’s area of service. When a line extension is needed to deliver service, Alaska Communications will coordinate with the Customer during the process and keep the Customer updated and informed. Design and construction times vary by project. Costs exceeding the Allowance or which are disallowed (as described in Paragraph 4, below) are the Customer’s responsibility.

All facilities constructed under this policy, including customer-funded and/or customer-constructed facilities, are the property of Alaska Communications, which will determine all routing, construction methods, and material/equipment choices.

1. Access Rights

   If the Customer is in an area where the use of a private right-of-way is required, and Alaska Communications cannot obtain the required right-of-way or easement at no charge, the Customer may be required to pay the costs of obtaining the right-of-way or easement.

   To the extent facilities are constructed under this policy on property owned or controlled by the customer, the customer shall be deemed to grant Alaska Communications a perpetual, cost free, right-of-use and access to the property for purposes of constructing, operating, and maintaining the facilities and the customer will execute any document reasonably prepared by Alaska Communications to reflect and record those rights prior to the commencement of construction.

2. Line Extension Charges

   Line extension charges apply to construction of cable entries into customer facilities and all classes, types, and grades of service established by an extension to Alaska Communications’ network. Chargeable costs include, but are not limited to, costs arising from labor and materials, including supervision, overhead, and permitting, and other related activities, equipment.

   Line extension construction charges must be paid in advance by the customer with a cashier’s check or other payment method acceptable to Alaska Communications. The payment is non-refundable if service is disconnected.

3. Speculative Undertakings

   For a line extension to serve a project or subdivision which in the opinion of Alaska Communications is speculative or involves risk or delay in the use of the facilities provided, Alaska Communications requires a written agreement setting forth the amount and conditions for prepayment of the cost of construction. If the developer does not enter into an agreement, the subscribers will be served based on other sections of this policy. Mobile-home parks are considered subdivisions.

4. Allowance Limitations

   The Allowance cannot be applied to cover the following costs:

   1. extraordinary costs such as boring under a road or driveway, winter construction, rocky terrain, clearing vegetation, or permitting; and
   2. unusual construction or installation costs.

   The Customer will be required to pay all such costs.

5. Changes from Aerial to Underground Facilities

   Customers seeking to replace aerial facilities with underground infrastructure must pay all costs upfront, including

   1. the cost of dismantling and removing the aerial facilities;
   2. the cost of burying the cable, including trenching, boring, special backfill, or conduit; and
   3. all costs for cable installation and turning up service.

6. Customer Furnished Facilities

   Any pole line or underground construction furnished by a customer is subject to the approval of Alaska Communications. Any such underground cable and conduit must be compliant with specifications furnished by Alaska Communications and customer must agree in writing that it is for the sole use of Alaska Communications.

7. Mobile Home Parks

   Aerial – The owner of the mobile home park or court is required, at their expense, to provide, install and maintain the poles and anchors necessary for Alaska Communications to run facilities to customers who live in the park. The owner of the mobile home park will provide Alaska Communications with an easement of not less than five feet where Alaska Communications facilities are placed. The individual customer living in a mobile home is required, at their expense, to provide, install, and maintain a pole or riser in accordance with the specifications of Alaska Communications.

   Underground – Where cable is laid in conduit, the conduit is constructed and maintained at the expense of the customer. Conduit is constructed to specifications furnished by Alaska Communications. Underground construction, as specified above, shall be for the exclusive use of Alaska Communications. Where direct lay cable is installed, the owner will provide and pay for the trench and special backfill. Alaska Communications will place the cable and associated plant. The owner of the park provides, installs, and maintains a stub pole or riser at each mobile home space in the park.

8. Customer Requests

   For changing from one type of construction to another on the customer’s property, when done at the customer’s request or when required by law, the customer will pay the costs of construction the new and removing the old construction.

   For moving existing construction, when done at the customer’s request or when required by law, the customer will pay the actual cost, less salvage.

Alaska Communications Line Extension Policy v. 1.7b — October 14, 2021.