Digital Local Phone Service
Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you need to make this change when everything is working fine?
GCI wants to provide better response and service to our customers if they ever experience any problems.  GCI will control the entire network.

What does GCI do to make the change?
GCI will set up an appointment at a convenient time and a GCI installer will come to your house.

• For the outdoor unit:
  • The installer will place a device on the exterior of your home. This device is about the same size as the current telephone box on the exterior of your house. The new box will be placed close to the power meter for your home. This box is used to connect inside wires to GCI's network (coaxial/hybrid facilities).
• For the indoor unit:
  • The installer will place a device inside the home. This device is about the same size as cable modem. The new box will be placed close to a power supply, cable outlet and if possible telephone jack. This box is used to connect inside wires to GCI's network (coaxial/hybrid facilities).

If I am not home during this installation, do I need to do anything (i.e. unlock my gate, give a key to a neighbor, etc.)?

• Outdoor unit installations: You do not need to be home if an outdoor unit is being installed. This installation does not depend on whether or not anyone is home.  Our Technicians will initiate a courtesy call and ring the doorbell.  If no one is available, our Technicians are well trained and can perform the installation without your assistance.  If they do encounter access issues (locked gate, dogs in yard) that prevent them from completing the work, we will contact you to make special arrangements.  We will leave a door tag stating we made the change and if you see any problems, please contact GCI. 
• Indoor unit installations: You will need to be home as we have to install this unit inside your home. We will contact you to set up a convenient schedule for customers. We now have evening and weekend hours available.

Will they drill a hole in my house?
No additonal wiring should be necessary.

After the service upgrade, will I notice a difference in terms of quality?
Some customers may see an improvement in service quality.  Others will experience no discernable difference.  In no case will the quality ever be less with DLPS.

Can I keep the same phone number?
You can keep your number no matter whose local service you are using as long as you stay in the same service area.  This is called Local Number Portability.

Can I use my rotary phone with DLPS?
Rotary phones work with the DLPS system.

My friend (neighbor, relative) has the new DLPS (Digital Local Phone Service) , how can I get it?
If you are in a currently serviceable area, we can work with you to complete the upgrade to DLPS, just give us a call at 265-5400 (Anchorage) or 1-800-800-4800 (Statewide). If you are not in a DLPS area, we will ask for your name and number so we can contact you when we have it available in your neighborhood.

What will the price be?
GCI will continue to be the price leader. We are 24% below the competition. Digital Local Phone Service represents a network change for GCI, but it is not a service change or price change for customers.  GCI has no plans to change its rates.

Is this a reliable, quality service?
Yes, GCI's local service meets the same E911 requirements every local service provider is required to meet.

GCI has invested millions of dollars in plant upgrades over the past 5 years and has put in place a network which meets or exceeds existing telephone system standards.

Now, GCI will have the capability of monitoring the local telephone network from the switch to the customer's home.  Around the clock monitoring will trigger corrective actions probably even before the customer is aware there is a problem.

If the power goes out will my phone work? 
For outdoor units, the network has back up power. The indoor units have battery back-up power.

What types of phones won't work when the power goes out?
Just like today, most cordless phones will not work without power. It is recommended to have at least one wired fixed telephone (hard line phone) available for emergencies when there is a power outage.

Who will I call if I have a problem with my phone service?
Call GCI at 611 just as you do today.

Who will respond to service problems?
Simply dial 611 from your GCI line, or dial us at 222-0611 (Anchorage) or 523-0611 (Juneau) from any other telephone line.

How long will it take to get my service repaired if it isn't working?
The process will begin immediately following the repair call.

Will GCI's Digital Local Phone Service have an impact on my existing Cable TV & Internet services?
The DLPS electronics are totally separate from those that are used for video and Internet.  GCI's DLPS does not interfere with other products serviced on the network.