The Alaska Telephone Association

Founded in 1949, the Alaska Telephone Association (ATA) sets out in the first paragraph of its Bylaws its goal of advocating "for uniformity and efficiency in accounting, operating, maintenance and construction for supporting the continuance of telecommunications services to the public." This in a state encompassing 591,004 square miles -- one fifth the area of the "lower 48." The distance from Ketchikan in the Southeast to Barrow on the Arctic Ocean is similar to the distance from Minneapolis to Daytona Beach, but unconnected by roadways. The width of the state would stretch from the east coast of Georgia into California. This is the area served by ATA companies.

Comprised of 22 regular members certificated by the Alaska Public Utilities Commission and more than 100 associate members, the ATA is a trade association representing the interests of the incumbent local exchange telephone industry in the state.

Our Companies

Local telephone service in Alaska is provided by commercial, cooperative and municipal telephone utilities. They vary in size from companies serving less than 200 access lines to nearly 150,000 lines and maintain service in temperatures from 100 degrees to minus 70 degrees over extreme terrain.

The employees of ATA companies take pride in providing modern, high quality telecommunications infrastructure and service. Ensuring connectivity from Alaskan businesses and homes to the nation and the world is their job.

©1998 Alaska Telephone Association