Verizon in Alaska, challenges local carriers

(AP) ANCHORAGE – The wireless picture in Alaska entered a new era last week with the long-awaited announcement that Verizon has flipped the switch and entered the market in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau.

Verizon, the largest wireless company in the U.S., with nearly 100 million customers, said its Lower 48 prices would apply in Alaska.

Data services will be available on its new high-speed 4G LTE network, while voice traffic will temporarily remain on the networks of the companies it partners with in Alaska.

The company said its official kickoff date is Friday, with wider commercial availabil...