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Why MTA Is Helping Our Members Cut The Cord

MTA TV Pages

The way we watch TV is changing, and more and more people are ditching cable TV in favor of the increasing number of streaming services available at their fingertips.

This cord-cutting is nothing new, but the trends we’ve seen have been ticking up faster and faster, indicating a major shift:

• Over the last eight years, cord-cutting in the U.S. has increased by 48 percent.
• The number of cord-cutters in the U.S. is expected to reach 55.1 million by 2022
• Just because you’re cutting the cord doesn’t mean you’re watching less: streaming platform Roku found that 80 percent of cord-cutters say they watch the same, if not more, TV than they did before cord-cutting and moving to Roku.

MTA remains proactive in guiding our customers through this shift, helping members figure out the right time to move from cable TV to a streaming service. When that time comes, once we help you cut the cord, we then help you decide which streaming service is right for you (and your wallet).

While it may seem unusual for a telecommunications company to advise members to move on from cable TV, our priority is ensuring our members are as educated and up-to-speed as possible on their viewing options. To do this, we regularly invite MTA and community members to come check out these options themselves at a monthly product showcase.

This month we’re inviting our community to join us at the Menard Sports Center on May 22 for our monthly product showcase or on June 5 for one of two showcases during our 2019 Annual Meeting.

These are part of our monthly DTV Product Showcase series, in which we demonstrate all of the great premium streaming services we offer so that our members can find out exactly which product is right for them and clear up any questions they might have about the transition from cable to streaming television.

The choice of whether to cut the cord or not is up to you, but if you take the plunge, we at MTA are here to help you through every step.

MTA: Life. Technology. Together.
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News & Alerts

“One Ring” Scam Robocalls

FCC Consumer Alert

SCAMMERS LOOKING TO DEFRAUD CONSUMERS BY PROMPTING EXPENSIVE CALL BACK

Consumers Should Not Call Back Unknown Late-Night Callers Using the ‘222’ West African Country Code

The Federal Communications Commission is alerting consumers to reported waves of “One Ring” or “Wangiri” scam robocalls targeting specific area codes in bursts, often calling multiple times in the middle of the night.  These calls are likely trying to prompt consumers to call the number back, often resulting in per minute toll charges similar to a 900 number.   Consumers should not call these numbers back.

Recent reports indicate these calls are using the “222” country code of the West African nation of Mauritania.  News reports have indicated widespread overnight calling in New York State and Arizona.

Generally, the One Ring scam takes place when a robocaller calls a number and hangs up after a ring or two.  They may call repeatedly, hoping the consumer calls back and runs up a toll that is largely paid to the scammer.

Consumer Tips:

– Do not call back numbers you do not recognize, especially those appearing to originate overseas.
– File a complaint with the FCC if you received these calls: fcc.gov/complaints
– If you never make international calls, consider talking to your phone company about blocking outbound international calls to prevent accidental toll calls.
– Check your phone bill for charges you don’t recognize.

Advances in technology allow massive amounts of calls to be made cheaply and easily.  In addition, spoofing tools make it easy for scammers to mask their identity.  Another key tool is consumer education like this alert and the FCC’s One Ring scam consumer guide: https://t.co/pROJ0ldMXv

MTA: Life. Technology. Together.
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News & Alerts Wholesale

MTA Fiber Holdings, LLC, to Build First All-Terrestrial Fiber Line to Connect Alaska with Contiguous U.S. and Beyond

MTA Fiber Holdings Logo
Visit MTA Fiber Holdings, LLC

MTA Fiber Holdings, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MTA, is working to ensure the future viability and growth of middle mile transport networks in Alaska

Construction has commenced on the project, which is set for completion by mid-2020

Palmer, Alaska – May 1, 2019 – MTA Fiber Holdings, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MTA, Alaska’s best choice for technology and communications products, announced today that it plans to build AlCan ONE (Alaska Canada Overland Network), the first and only all-terrestrial fiber network connecting Alaska to the contiguous United States and beyond.

The new all-terrestrial network will initially have capacity of over 100 terabits per second, which can be expanded and increased in the future as demand grows. The network will establish a secure and reliable fiber connection to any point in the contiguous United States, providing MTA’s members, as well as Alaska, with a robust internet transport connection for decades to come.

“This is a major step for Alaska that will ensure future capacity requirements for MTA members and can support the continuing growth of broadband across the state of Alaska,” said Michael Burke, CEO of MTA.

Currently, MTA pays significant broadband transport fees to other carriers to facilitate high-speed access for its membership. The new all-terrestrial line will lower transport expenses, provide a secure and reliable route to the contiguous U.S. and provide Alaska with a stable internet transport connection. It is a long-term solution to give MTA and its members access to internet capacity while giving the option to reinvest funds in other parts of the company to better improve technology access.

“This new terrestrial network will ensure the future viability and growth of the internet in Alaska,” said Burke. “Alaska’s leaders have talked about a terrestrial fiber optic path out of the state for more than 20 years. We are pleased to be the ones to be able to make this a reality. This will be a major win for the people who live, play and work in Alaska, supporting business, job growth, and ultimately, the state’s economy.”

MTA Fiber Holdings has secured partnerships with Canadian carriers in order to extend MTA’s existing network from North Pole, Alaska, through Canada and on to any major hub in the United States. Only traffic that both originates and terminates in the United States will be carried over MTA Fiber Holdings’ all-fiber network.

Construction of the new terrestrial fiber line has commenced and will continue throughout 2019, with a goal of being completed by the middle of 2020.

For more information on MTA Fiber Holdings, LLC, please visit www.mtafiber.com.

MTA: Life. Technology. Together.
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Media Contacts
Aaron Blank or Chris Guizlo
The Fearey Group for MTA
MTA@feareygroup.com, (206) 343-1543

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Esports News & Alerts

MTA Wins Best in Class Marketing Award for eUnlimited™ Gaming Series

Best in Class Provider Award

Palmer, Alaska – April 10, 2019 – MTA, Alaska’s best choice for technology and communications products, announced today it is the recipient of a 2019 Best in Class Provider Award from the Broadband Multimedia Marketing Association (BMMA) for its marketing efforts around MTA’s eUnlimited™ Gaming Series, which includes an annual gaming tournament.

Since 2015, MTA has worked to become a major player in Alaska’s esports world through unique experiences and effective partnership building with local schools and community organizations. The eUnlimited™ Gaming Series is a flagship community program for MTA, and the 2018 season was the Series’ most successful year yet, with tournament attendance doubling from the previous year.

The award comes as the co-operative continues to expand its focus on esports in Alaska through increased collaboration with Alaskan schools on incorporating esports into their curriculum, supporting youth STEM initiatives and cultivating national partnerships with likeminded organizations.

“We are honored to be recognized for our work in the esports field, and we look forward to working with our community partners around the state to keep growing the eUnlimited™ Gaming Series,” said Michael Burke, CEO of MTA. “We will continue doing all we can to propel Alaska ahead as a national leader in esports through education-based partnerships, riveting in-person tournaments and experiences and more.”

“Over the past year, MTA’s marketing efforts have successfully built out awareness of its innovative eUnlimited™ Gaming Series, increasing local partnerships and doubling the number of tournament attendees,” said Jonathan Babbitt, Vice President of Product, Sales and Marketing at MTA. “The program’s growth in one year is particularly impressive, and it serves as an indicator of the promising future Alaska has in the esports industry. MTA is proud to be the company leading the charge with our community and gaming partners around the state.”

BMMA’s Best in Class Marketing Awards annually recognize teams and companies that demonstrate innovation and excellence in marketing broadband services. MTA was joined in this honor by other leading telecommunications companies including Cincinnati Bell, Calix and F-Secure.

MTA: Life. Technology. Together.
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News & Alerts

MTA Headquarters Receives Green Star® Award for Environmentally-Friendly Achievements

Green Star Award

Palmer, Alaska – February 26, 2019 – MTA, Alaska’s premier technology company, announced that its Palmer-based headquarters is the recipient of a Green Star® award from the Alaska Forum on the Environment, highlighting the company’s active leadership in and longstanding commitment to waste reduction, energy conservation and pollution prevention within the workplace.

MTA’s achievements include:

  • Recycling more than 120 tons of wire, set top boxes, electronics, remotes and computers per year
  • Recycling more than 40,000 cardboard boxes per year
  • Recycling more than 25,000 phone books per year
  • Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from 431.1 to 327.8 tons per quarter, equal to a 24% reduction in emissions

In addition to benefiting the environment, MTA’s efforts have saved more than $50,000 in disposal costs and received close to $250,000 in revenue through recycling efforts.

“There are few commitments that MTA takes more seriously than our commitment to the environment and making the world a cleaner and safer place for our generation, as well as future ones down the road,” said Michael Burke, CEO of MTA. “We aim to set an example for our members and local communities to be stewards of the environment, and we hope that receiving this recognition from Green Star® will shine a brighter light on the types of positive environmental practices that will make Alaska and our planet a better place.”

MTA was one of 10 businesses to receive this award at the 2019 Alaska Forum on the Environment, which took place on February 14. Green Star®, Alaska’s only pollution prevention program, aims to reduce or eliminate the volume and toxicity of materials, pollutants or wastes at the source so they never become waste in the first place. In order to achieve Green Star® recognition, companies and organizations must actively address and fully commit to environmental standards developed by the Alaska Forum related to solid waste, hazardous waste, recyclable material and waste water.

MTA: Life. Technology. Together.

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News & Alerts

Cross Talk

Crosstalk: MTA customers have recently experienced calls not being completed correctly. In some cases, they are connecting to a call that is not the person they are calling and they are overhearing another conversation, which is called cross-talk. Our network partner has identified the problem and is working to correct this serious issue. Until the issue is resolved completely, customers are generally able to temporarily resolve the issue by ending the call and re-dialing the number. MTA will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

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News & Alerts

MTA Announces Appointment of Ken Kincaid to Board of Directors

Palmer, Alaska – January 9, 2019 – MTA, Alaska’s premier technology company, announced the appointment of Alaska business and real estate veteran Ken Kincaid to its Board of Directors.

Kincaid, a 35-year MTA member, has most recently served on the Board of Directors for the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF), where he was brought on to help navigate the complex purchase of an additional ownership stake in the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. He serves on MSHF’s committees for Governance, Program, CEO Evaluation, and is the chair of its Finance committee. Since joining in 2012, MSHF’s long-term investments, investments from joint ventures, and grants to the community have more than doubled.

Kincaid previously worked for 18 years at the Anchorage office of commercial real estate appraisal company Shorett & Riely, which later became Kincaid & Riely after he became the sole proprietor. He and his wife built a successful real estate investment company focused on single and multi-family rentals and later including retail, medical and industrial properties. This portfolio today totals more than 100,000 square feet of commercial space in the Palmer, Wasilla and Anchorage areas.

“Ken has a wide range of successful business experience in Alaska, and he’s committed an incalculable amount of time and resources to helping build our community over the years,” said Michael Burke, CEO of MTA. “We know he will be a valuable voice on our Board of Directors and are looking forward to having him help move MTA and Alaska forward in the years ahead.”

“Throughout my career my focus has been on serving the community, from increasing residential and commercial real estate in the area to helping the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center grow,” said Kincaid. “With all of the similar community-focused work MTA is currently doing and has planned, I’m excited to join its Board of Directors as it looks forward to continued technology innovation for its members.”

Kincaid has also served on the Alaska Board of Real Estate Appraisers, the Mat-Su Borough Board of Equalization and numerous church and school leadership boards.

About MTA

Established in 1953 as a 100 percent locally owned and operated Alaskan cooperative, MTA is Alaska’s leading technology provider, empowering its member-owners and patrons to live a fully connected life. As a key player in the economy of Southcentral Alaska, MTA continues to pioneer economic development by providing the means necessary to create technologically intelligent communities. Today, MTA remains one of the largest technology co-ops in the U.S.

MTA: Life. Technology. Together.

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News & Alerts

MTA Partners With Hatcher Alpine Xperience To Bring Connectivity to Skeetawk Ski Area

Skeetawk Ski Area
MTA To ‘Light Up’ the Mountain With Fiber for Skeetawk, Set To Open For 2019-2020 Season

Palmer, Alaska – December 19, 2018 – MTA, Alaska’s premier technology company, announced today that it will become the official communications partner of Hatcher Alpine Xperience (HAX), a nonprofit, member-driven organization working to bring lift-access, downhill skiing, boarding and other alpine sports to Hatcher Pass through its new alpine ski area, Skeetawk.

MTA will power Skeetawk’s data, video, voice and other communications with fiber connectivity, ensuring fast, safe, and reliable communication needs for those mountain enthusiasts looking to plug in and connect between trips down the area’s 6+ miles of trails. Additionally, MTA has committed to a three-year sponsorship of Skeetawk’s Ski Patrol, fully outfitting them with the tools and equipment necessary to ensure the safety of those on the mountain.

The fiber extension that makes this partnership possible is leading the way for larger opportunity for economic development in Alaska, further expanding MTA’s goal of providing the means necessary to create more plugged-in and technologically intelligent communities throughout the state.

Skeetawk is a result of HAX’s years-long work toward bringing a downhill ski area to the Talkeetna Mountains northwest of Palmer, Alaska. Hatcher Pass, a destination known for its early-season snow, gorgeous mountain views and terrain ideal for winter sports and activities.

The volunteer-driven HAX received a $500,000 grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation in late 2017, which was just released after raising matching funds through MTA, Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, MEA Charitable Foundation, North Lakes Community Council, and a $350,000 grant from the Rasmuson Foundation in 2018, in addition to funds from various private members, donors and sponsors. Skeetawk aiming to open for the 2019-20 ski season.

“When we were deciding how to approach our communications planning for Skeetawk, we valued fast, safe, reliable service and a great all-around partner above all else, so handing the communications aspect to a trusted company like MTA was a no-brainer,” said Amy O’Connor, Executive Director of HAX. “Their fiber connectivity allows us to showcase our new community-focused ski area, allowing our visitors to share their positive experience and smiles with the world while also providing us the necessary connections to keep our guests safe upon its opening.”

“The process that has brought this amazing new alpine ski area to Hatcher Pass has been inspiring, and MTA is honored to be serving as its official communications partner,” said Michael Burke, CEO of MTA. “MTA takes pride in helping aid economic expansion throughout Alaska, and this ski area is a prime example of that. The whole MTA family is excited to be a part of this major new destination, and we are looking forward to hitting the slopes ourselves when Skeetawk is open later next year.”

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News & Alerts

Thomas Newman Fills Vacant Seat On MTA’s Board

Palmer, Alaska – November 7, 2018 — The Board of Directors of Matanuska Telephone Association, Inc., (MTA) has selected Thomas Newman to fill a vacant seat on its Board. Previous MTA Board Director George Trabits resigned to pursue business opportunities.

Mr. Newman’s professional experience includes surveying on and offshore, software development, project management and corporate management. As a founder and leader of TerraSond Limited, he has grown the company from three partners and a few part-time staff working solely in Alaska to a multinational company that has performed projects in twenty-eight countries, with offices in several U.S. states and foreign subsidiaries.

Mr. Newman has direct experience with a wide variety of technology for both land and marine surveys and has incorporated the latest technology available through three decades for surveying, positioning vessels at sea, and measuring the depth and character of the ocean.

Mr. Newman has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington; a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alaska and an Associate of Applied Science from Anchorage Community College.

The MTA Board of Directors is pleased to add Mr. Newman’s expertise, professional experience and commitment to community to the Cooperative’s leadership.

Other members of MTA’s Board are Catherine Fosselman, Chief Governance Officer; Roxie Mayberry, Secretary; Nicholas Begich III, Director; and Larry Wiget, Director.

About MTA

Established in 1953 as a 100 percent locally owned and operated Alaskan cooperative, MTA is Alaska’s best choice for technology and communications products. As a key player in the economy of Southcentral Alaska, MTA provides residential and business technology solutions to empower member-owners and patrons to live a connected life. Today, MTA remains as one of the largest technology co-ops in the U.S. For more information, visit https://www.mtasolutions.com/ or connect with MTA on Facebook.

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News & Alerts

Alert MTA Members

Scammers are spoofing the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) 1-800 customer service number to try to get personal information.

Here’s how it works: Your phone rings. Your caller ID shows that it’s the SSA calling from 1-800-772-1213. The caller says he/she works for the Social Security Administration and needs your personal information – like your Social Security number – to increase your benefits payments. (Or they threatens to cut off your benefits if you don’t give the information.)

According to the FTC, 1-800-772-1213 is the SSA’s real phone number, but the scammers on the phone are spoofing the number to make the call look real.

The FTC offers the following tips to combat this latest scam:

If you get one of these calls, Hang up!

The SSA will not threaten you. Real SSA employees will never threaten you to get personal information. They also won’t promise to increase your benefits in exchange for information. If they do, it’s a scam.

If you have any doubt, hang up and call SSA directly. If you dial the number, you know who you’re getting. If a call comes in from that number, you can’t be sure it’s really Social Security Administration calling.

If you get a spoofed call, report it. If someone calls, claiming to be from SSA and asking for information like your Social Security number, report it to SSA’s Office of Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or https://oig.ssa.gov/report.

You can also report these calls to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint