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ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS SIGNS NEW WIRELESS CONTRACT WITH THE STATE OF ALASKA

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, May 16, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) - Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. ("ACS") (Nasdaq: ALSK) today announced it entered into a contract with the State of Alaska for wireless services. Under the terms of the new contract, ACS is supplying phones and services for approximately 4,400 State of Alaska employees and contractors beginning in May 2005. Under the terms of a previous contract, ACS had been supplying wireless services to the State of Alaska for approximately 3,900 phones.

"This is another big win in the business market and further solidifies our lead in wireless services. We are committed to providing the State of Alaska a winning combination of advanced technology, premier customer service and overall superior value," stated Liane Pelletier, ACS president and chief executive officer. "The State of Alaska is a terrific customer, and we look forward to implementing this new contract as part of our long-term customer relationship."

"ACS made a competitive offer to meet our requirements for wireless services, and we are delighted with the value of the package we are procuring. ACS' advanced CDMA network offers superior capabilities and reliability to meet our present and future needs," said Guy J. Crockroft, contract administrator for the State of Alaska.

About Alaska Communications Systems

ACS is the leading integrated communications provider in Alaska, offering local telephone service, wireless, long distance, data, and Internet services to business and residential customers throughout Alaska. More information can be found on the company's website at www.acsalaska.com or at its investor site at www.alsk.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
Statements about future results and other expectations constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. The company cautions that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. A number of factors in addition to those discussed herein could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The company's financial planning is affected by business and economic conditions and changes in customer order patterns. Any projections are inherently subject to significant economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of ACS. Important assumptions and other important factors, including risk factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, are specified in the company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and other filings with the SEC. The company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contacts:
ACS Investors:
Kirsten Chapman / David Barnard, CFA
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Phone: 415-433-3777
Email: david@lhai-sf.com

Alaska Communications Systems:
Mary Ann Pease
VP Corporate Communications
Phone: 907-297-3000
Email: mpease@acsalaska.com