The parent company of Alaska Wireless Network, LLC has reached a $620,000 settlement with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for failing to register numerous communications towers through the agency’s Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) system.
FCC rules require owners of communications towers to register with the FCC any tower that is taller than 200 feet, or that may interfere with the flight path of a nearby airport. Towers must also incorporate lighting specifications from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to avoid posing a hazard to air navigation.
According to the FCC, General Communication, Inc. (GCI), the parent company of Alaska Wireless Network, reported that it had identified numerous apparent violations of the tower registration requirements. The unregistered towers included a number that the company owned as a result of acquisitions. A subsequent investigation by the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau ultimately identified 118 towers owned and operated by GCI that had not been registered with the ASR system. The investigation also identified three towers that were not properly lighted.
As part of the Consent Decree with the FCC, GCI also agreed to develop a three-year compliance plan to ensure that all of its towers are properly registered and lighted.
Read the FCC’s Order in connection with General Communication, Inc.
