February 21, 2002

For Information Contact:
Dana Heidemann, (907) 265-5355 or dheidemann@gci.com
Sarah Erkmann, Bernholz & Graham, (907) 561-4488 or serkmann@gci.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GCI STEPS UP INVOLVEMENT IN IDITAROD SLED DOG RACE

Company will sponsor the Cripple checkpoint and increase webcams along the trail

GCI again will award a total of $6,000 in gold nuggets to the first three mushers to reach the halfway point at Cripple, Alaska, 534 miles from Anchorage. The first musher will receive the 2002 Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award and $3,000 worth of gold. The second musher receives $2,000 worth of gold and the third receives $1,000 worth of gold.

GCI's involvement in the race extends beyond providing prize money. Through its 72-member volunteer Iditarod army and its communications expertise, GCI is a crucial element in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. New this year is the following:

• GCI employees are sponsoring the Cripple checkpoint and will be responsible for setting up communications, staffing the checkpoint, greeting the mushers and media, and forwarding race information via the Internet back to headquarters.
• The GCI Cripple checkpoint also will feature two Weatherport shelters for media use on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• GCI will provide live webcams and Internet access at most checkpoints for mushers, media and veterinarians to communicate from checkpoints.

As in years past, GCI will continue to provide the following services:

• Long distance and faxing communication between checkpoints along the trail.
• Local telephone service to the race headquarters in Anchorage and private line service to Wasilla's Iditarod Headquarters throughout the year.
• Video uplink services to Nome.

GCI's total commitment to Iditarod represents $200,000 in cash and services.

"The Iditarod is a uniquely Alaskan race and GCI is a uniquely Alaska company. We think it's a great match and has been for years," said Dick Westlund, Vice President and General Manager of Long Distance & Wholesale Services.

GCI (NASD: GNCMA) is an Alaska-based integrated communication provider delivering voice, video and data services through its fiber optic, satellite, hybrid fiber coaxial and metropolitan area networks. More information about GCI can be found at www.gci.com.