Category: News & Alerts

Our country relies on military service members to protect our freedom and ways of life, with more than 26,000 military members currently serving in Alaska.

Yet veterans are too often left without adequate resources to cope with the life-altering experiences they endured during service. People who serve in the military often experience mental and physical burdens that make adjusting to civilian life difficult.

Despite the incredible leadership and technical skillset that many veterans have, service members are not always considered to be “competitive” in the civilian job market due to their work experience not being directly transferable to typical civilian jobs.

At MTA, we reject that concept and instead embrace our military members.

We’re proud to employ over 25 veterans. They bring an irreplaceable set of skills and unique perspectives to our team that adds diversity, allowing us to find more creative solutions for our community. To veterans at MTA, we are honored to be your workplace of choice, and each day we thank you for your service.

In addition to employability, a large percentage of veterans struggle with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other disorders that require support and care. This Veterans Day, we are proud to announce our 2022 Employee Giving Campaign will benefit BattleDawgs, a Talkeetna-based nonprofit that encourages veterans struggling with combat-related injuries to experience the great outdoors.

We believe in giving back to veterans who have dedicated their lives and careers to our nation while asking for so little in return. We hope experiencing all our beautiful state has to offer will create a sense of healing.

Our employees’ generous pledges during 2023 will support these ongoing programs, in which veterans are able to build comradery through mentorship and leadership activities. And MTA will continue to draw attention to veteran issues and organizations that are working to make life better for them and our communities.

If you are interested in being part of this special project, please contact Corporate Communications Manager Jess Gilbert (jgilbert@mtasolutions.com) to learn more.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, access to reliable internet emerges as a fundamental prerequisite for progress across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and business. Recognizing the pivotal role of connectivity in bridging the digital divide and driving socio-economic development, MTA has joined INDATEL as a fiber-optic provider outside the continental United States.  

INDATEL is a nationwide network of over 700 rural independent telecommunications providers. INDATEL utilizes its collective strength to deliver superior broadband connectivity, especially in rural and underserved areas. These members collectively own and operate more than 400,000 miles of fiber-optic routes, serving over 2.3 million buildings in rural and suburban areas across America. 

“Our partnership with INDATEL marks a significant milestone towards inclusivity and progress,” said Michael Burke, Chief Executive Officer of MTA. “By combining our resources and expertise, we expand our network and bring new opportunities to communities in remote areas, including Alaska. We’re excited to see the impact this partnership will have on bridging the digital divide across America and empowering communities to thrive in the digital age.” 

This partnership opens a new realm of possibilities for MTA, enabling us to extend our reach and tap into a vast network of resources and expertise. Becoming a member allows us to leverage INDATEL’s extensive network infrastructure and collective bargaining power, enhancing connectivity for our customers. Whether it’s broadband, voice, or managed IT services, our customers can look forward to improved service offerings and expanded coverage.  

Meanwhile, current INDATEL members will now have direct access to Alaska, simplifying and expediting solutions for customers entering or connecting to Alaska. This expands INDATEL’s footprint into previously untapped territories, while also fortifying MTA’s position as a key player in connecting the most remote areas with the rest of the world. 

Providing trusted connectivity to rural and underserved markets is one of the many things that brought MTA and INDATEL together. The internet is a lifeline for remote communities striving to overcome isolation and unlock their full potential in our growing digitalized world.  

Whether it’s a small business seeking to expand its reach or a student accessing online educational opportunities, reliable internet connectivity is the cornerstone upon which dreams are built and futures are forged. MTA is proud to play a part in moving it forward. 

In Alaska, with its vast distances and numerous remote communities, internet access is not just a convenience but a lifeline. It has been crucial to closing the digital divide by connecting families, enabling remote education, providing access to telehealth services, and opening doors to economic opportunities.

At MTA, we understand our role in ensuring that Alaskans remain connected. Today, equitable access to the internet is the foundation for thriving communities. For many Alaskans, programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are indispensable; they offer the support needed to ensure that internet access is universally attainable, bridging the gaps created by our state’s challenging geography

Millions of Americans rely on the ACP, which provides essential internet access to 22.8 million low-income households. This includes 23,000 homes in Alaska, which impacts about 61,000 Alaskans*. This crucial program ensures affordable internet access, yet, it is facing a significant funding shortfall, and without swift action from Congress, the program is at risk of ending as early as this spring. The potential end of the ACP could lead to thousands of Alaskan households facing steep increases in their internet bills, a change that could push the essential service out of reach for many.

We’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of the ACP on our communities. From students who’ve been able to continue their education remotely to seniors who’ve accessed critical healthcare services online, the stories are both inspiring and a stark reminder of what’s at stake. It’s imperative to keep these connections alive.

Alaskans have the opportunity to make their voices heard and advocate for the continuation of the ACP to help keep their neighbors connected. Our partners at WTA have initiated the Don’t Disconnect Us campaign, providing an easy-to-use platform for you to reach out to your representatives in Congress.

The ACP is a crucial program that ensures all Alaskans have access to the opportunities the internet provides. The potential discontinuation of the ACP poses a significant threat to the fabric of our connected society. We encourage you to lend your support to ensure every Alaskan, regardless of where they live, can stay connected.

*According to the latest census data, there are 2.67 persons per household in Alaska

Alaska’s tech leader to provide $30,000 cash and $45,000 in connectivity for premier sporting competition and cultural gathering

PALMER, Alaska, Jan. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — MTA, Alaska’s tech and telecom leader, has announced a $75,000 sponsorship of the Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games, the premier sporting competition and cultural gathering of and for the Arctic North. The event will take place March 10-16, 2024, throughout the Mat-Su Valley.

This sponsorship includes a $30,000 cash contribution as well as $45,000 in fiber extensions to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and Wasilla, which will power key venues for the event. These connectivity upgrades, provided to entities who are volunteering to host the event, will help ensure necessary judging and timing while providing an opportunity for loved ones back home to live-stream the athletes’ events.

“We’re proud to be part of an event that represents the best of Alaska, bringing together talented athletes and artists as well as leading organizations, all for a week of thrilling games,” said Michael Burke, CEO of MTA. “Through MTA’s connectivity enhancements, we’ll help families, friends and any other interested parties enjoy these games globally while futureproofing our area for more economic development.”

“MTA is dedicated to getting involved in great events like the Winter Games that will help both grow and draw attention to our area,” said Elias Rojas, Senior Marketing Specialist for MTA and member of the Mat-Su Arctic Winter Games’ Board of Directors. “I’ve been honored to serve as a board member for these spectacular games to help make them as impactful as possible for all involved while further highlighting MTA’s commitment to the organization’s efforts.”

“With help from partners and community leaders like MTA, this event is shaping up to be an extraordinary showcase of Arctic athletes and heritage, and an enormous win for all in the Mat-Su Valley,” said Karen Lane, general manager of the Mat-Su Arctic Winter Games. “We look forward to all attendees, participants and viewers at home having an upgraded experience thanks to MTA’s involvement.”

The Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games is an exceptional sporting and cultural event that brings together athletes from Arctic communities to showcase their talents, culture, and heritage. Taking place in the breathtaking Mat-Su Valley, the Games provide a platform for youth development, cultural exchange, and friendly competition. For more information on the Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games, please visit https://www.awg2024.org/.

About Matanuska Telecom Association 
Established in 1953, as a 100 percent Alaskan owned and operated telecom cooperative, MTA is Alaska’s best choice for technology and communications products. As a key player in the economy of Southcentral and Interior Alaska, MTA provides business technology solutions to empower member-owners and patrons to live a connected life. Today, MTA remains as one of the largest telecommunication co-ops in the United States and proudly employs more than 400 Alaskans. For more information, visit https://www.mtasolutions.com/ or connect with MTA on Facebook.

Media Contacts
Fearey for MTA
MTA@feareygroup.com, (570) 575-3405

SOURCE MTA

The Broadband Multimedia Marketing Association (BMMA) recently announced the winners of the 2022 Best in Class Marketing awards.

“Each year, the BMMA recognizes teams and companies that demonstrate innovation and excellence in marketing broadband services,’’ said Ellis Hill, President of ResearchFirst, Inc., the BMMA’s management firm. This year’s awards went to two service providers, MTA and Kinetic by Windstream, and two vendor companies, Calix and Scout Alarm, each of which executed best in class marketing practices related to broadband products and services.”

MTA has been running upgrade marketing campaigns for a few years, using monthly network improvement reports to send mailers to customers eligible for upgrades as well as newly serviceable addresses. After a pause during the pandemic in 2020, MTA revamped the upgrade campaign in 2021 with new branding and improved copy. The new campaign ran throughout 2021 and was targeted to current customers eligible for upgrades due to network improvements, as well as newly serviceable households and non-customer households in areas where MTA had recently upgraded their network. With the shift to a remote lifestyle of school and work from home, the market was seeking improved bandwidth options. This campaign alerted customers that improved speeds were available so they could upgrade and notified unserved households that they had an alternate provider to consider. Using Alaskan elements in the graphics was a strategic move to stand out from the generic imagery competitors were using and offering a free month for non-customers provided an opportunity for them to test out the service before disconnecting their current connection.

“MTA is proud of our team’s outreach efforts to ensure our network investments are resulting in an improved experience for our members. Receiving recognition from organizations like BMMA affirms that we have the right people doing the right activities. Thank you BMMA and thank you to our member solutions team at MTA,” said Michael Burke, CEO of MTA.

Overall, the 2021 campaign provided a significant sustained revenue boost and was an improved experience for both customers and staff. The updated message is easier to understand and multiple touchpoints with the same message improve retention. The streamlined request process improved both efficiency and tracking, providing a definitive answer to the campaign’s value.

About the BMMA

The BMMA is an international organization dedicated to helping Telco internet service providers and their vendors advance the adoption and use of broadband services.

Our membership includes many of the key Telco and broadband vendor organizations in North America and is open to any broadband industry Telco service provider, vendor, CPE manufacturer, government agency, consultant, analyst, or other party with a demonstrated interest in promoting the mission of the BMMA.

Our goal is to advance the adoption and use of broadband services by identifying key industry success factors and sharing best practice marketing initiatives, new product and customer trends and other relevant industry information.

Please see our website at http://www.BMMA.org for more information or to apply for membership in the BMMA.

Executive Director: ResearchFirst, Inc. (http://www.researchfirst.com)