Alaska is known for its rugged natural beauty, national parks, glaciers, and seafood, but its internet options for the 730,000 residents are less than impressive. Choices include fiber, fixed wireless, DSL, or satellite, all with their own compromises. The top pick for internet service provider in Alaska according to CNET experts is GCI, offering speeds of up to 2.5 gigabits per second and the widest availability of any wired provider in the state. Other options include Alaska Communications, Borealis Broadband, Hughesnet, SpitwSpots, Starlink, and Viasat.
In terms of pricing, Alaska Communications offers one of the cheapest plans starting at $80 a month for speeds up to 2,500Mbps. However, the broadband scene in Alaska may seem bleak for some, as rural residents often have limited options of satellite, fixed wireless, or DSL connections. The state is seeing over $1 billion in federal funding going towards improving internet access in underserved communities, providing reasons for optimism in the future.
While rural areas in Alaska may have limited access to DSL, satellite, and fixed wireless connections, some communities are seeing improvements. For example, Cordova Telecom Cooperative is working on installing a submarine fiber optic cable to deliver fiber to various cities. GCI is also working on expanding its fiber-based wired connections to remote communities. While the current broadband options in Alaska are limited, efforts are being made to improve access and speeds.
When it comes to internet speed rankings, Alaska falls towards the bottom nationally, with a median download speed of 119Mbps. GCI is noted as the fastest provider in the state, offering a median download speed of 284Mbps. The FCC data suggests that 100% of Alaska residents can access broadband speeds, although the availability of fiber is limited, with only about 9.5% of residents having access to fiber.
In terms of affordability, Alaska doesn’t offer bargain basement prices for internet service, with many services costing under $100 a month for decent speed levels. Providers like GCI and Alaska Communications offer plans under a hundred dollars, but speeds vary based on location and the type of internet connection. Cheaper plans include options from Viasat and Hughesnet, ranging from $50 to $100 a month for speeds between 50Mbps and 75Mbps. Overall, Alaska’s internet landscape is diverse, with options for different speeds, prices, and technologies, with efforts being made to improve access and affordability in the future.
