Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (“ACS”) (NASDAQ:ALSK), Alaska's leading integrated communications provider, today announced a new partnership with Rivada Networks to provide first responders with emergency wireless communications in Alaska.

Under the terms of the teaming agreement, ACS is now the preferred provider of CDMA wireless services to Rivada Network customers in Alaska.

The partnership provides first responders day-to-day wireless voice and data access over the ACS statewide 3G CDMA network. In the event of a major outage of the commercial wireless network Rivada customers equipped with ACS service and handheld devices will have emergency communication services using Rivada’s Emergency Communications Partner (ECP) services and equipment.

“ACS and Rivada are a natural fit. The Rivada network, which is deployable for temporary emergency services, paired with our statewide 3G CDMA network will give first responders in Alaska the best and most reliable coverage,” said Liane Pelletier, ACS president and chief executive officer.

“It’s crucial that first responders always maintain their ability to communicate with each other. We chose ACS because it offers the broadest coverage and most reliable network throughout the state,” said James Tackett, Rivada’s sr. vice president for Homeland Security.

Future applications of the Rivada Networks ACS partnership may extend to temporary business needs for wireless communications in remote locations.

About Rivada Networks

Rivada Networks is a leading designer, integrator and operator of wireless, interoperable public safety communications networks. Rivada provides advanced communications solutions to first responders at local, state and federal levels. Through their innovative public safety communications solutions, they are able to address the limitations of existing public safety networks through the use of cellular networks and commercial off-the-shelf wireless technology. The Rivada offering is focused on delivering wireless, cellular voice, video and data in the immediate aftermath of a major incident, when other communications infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.

About Alaska Communications Systems

Headquartered in Anchorage, ACS is Alaska's leading provider of broadband and other wireline and wireless solutions to Enterprise and mass market customers. The ACS wireline operations include the state's most advanced data networks and the only diverse undersea fiber optic system connecting Alaska to the contiguous United States. The ACS wireless operations include a statewide 3G CDMA network, reaching across Alaska from the North Slope to Ketchikan, with coverage extended via best-in-class CDMA carriers in the Lower 49 and Canada. By investing in the fastest-growing market segments and attracting the highest-quality customers, ACS seeks to drive top and bottom-line growth, while continually improving customer experience and cost structure through process improvement. More information can be found on the company's website at www.acsalaska.com or at its investor site at www.alsk.com.

ACS Corporate Communications
Heather Cavanaugh, Director, Corporate Communications, 907-564-7722
heather.cavanaugh@acsalaska.com
or
Rivada Networks
James Tackett, Sr VP, Homeland Security, 719-650-6246
jtackett@rivada.com