In light of this, Alaska is one of the largest states in the United States, but it’s among the least populated, thus, access to cheap, fast internet connection is often not easy. Internet service in Alaska usually does not rely on wired connections but on satellite and wireless ones. As a result, it is only logical to ask which provider is better suited for you and here the answer depends on the region you are located in, Alaska, and the way you use the Internet. This guide discusses the best internet Service providers in terms of connectivity across the state.
GCI
GCI is based in Alaska and remains the largest telecommunications provider in the area with its services available in nearly all parts of Alaska. Cable, fiber optic, DSL, and fixed wireless connections are offered with download speeds between 10 Mbps and 1000 Mbps, and monthly data plans are included with the carrier. They do seem to be slightly more expensive than other local companies, though the major strength lies in the fact that they have a great network of infrastructure supporting not only the rural regions but also Alaska in general.
Peak Internet Speeds: Fast broadband which can be described as 1Gbps download and 100Mbps upload.
Data Caps: No endpoint in the possibilities of choice
Coverage Area: literature based on 200+ communities that are located in Alaska.
Pricing: Packages from $74.99/month
Best For There is full coverage of the state and the fast speeds of the internet services with unlimited data plans.
Alaska Communications (ACS)
The second by internet service provider in Alaska after GCI is ACS, which covers the whole state with the help of various types of connections including cable, DSL, fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite. Downloading speeds range from a minimum of 10 Mbps to over 100 Mbps maximum depending on the geographic area. Some of the offers allow users to use an unlimited amount of Internet traffic. They also offer packages bundled with TV and voice lines.
Peak Internet Speeds: 1Gbps download speed is 100Mbps upload speed.
Data Caps: 250GB to unlimited
Coverage Area: 100+ communities
Pricing: Packages from $47/month
Best For: Wide network, combination services
MESA
MESA provides Internet connectivity through fixed wireless transmitters in North Slope and partly in Northwest Alaska. This is a local carrier that works in limited areas in rural regions that are not served or are poorly served by large carriers. Offered speed packages include 5 Mbps to 25 Mbps download speed with a free use policy of data.
Peak Internet Speeds: 25Mbps download speed for 5Mbps upload speed.
Data Caps: Unlimited
Coverage Area: North Slope and Northwest rural sections
Pricing: Starts at $59.99/month
Best For: Traditional subsistence hunters in rural northern Alaska
Satellite Internet Providers
For some of the hard-to-reach areas in Alaska which will not be in the coverage of wired or even terrestrial wireless internet services, satellite internet services such as HughesNet and Viasat may be the only available options. Satellite offers Internet access virtually anywhere, and while it can be quite restrictive, with strict data limits, severe weather, and slower speed, it is not many people’s first choice. It does give people there fundamental internet access that would not otherwise be available in some of the more remote areas of Alaska.
Peak Internet Speeds: Viasat offers 100Mbps download speed and HughesNet offers only 25Mbps download speed.
Data Caps: 10GB up to 50GB per month
Coverage Area: Statewide
Pricing: Ranged from $50-$150 initial monthly fee, thereafter being free
Best For: Areas not served with other access by other telecommunication operators
But what about 5G home internet, the option is presented as a legitimate choice that many people may go for.
Future developments should allow the delivery of home internet without cables across more of Alaska with the help of the newest generation of cellular network technology 5G. Still, the state is only in the initial steps of the 5G execution process. Currently, 5G home internet is available in a small part of Anchorage, Fairbanks North Pole, and a few areas of Matanuska-Susitna Borough as of 2022. But companies such as GCI and Alaska Communications are actively working to lay down the foundation that shall enable the expansion of 5G for wireless home connectivity to more people in Alaska, soon.
Key Takeaways
Internet connection is also an issue that depends on where you are in Alaska state as a result of its size. GCI is typically the fastest and most encompassing but at a higher degree of expense. Alaska Communications also provides network coverage in several areas but at reduced maximum speeds. Local providers such as MESA come in handy to extend the reach in areas with little to no access while satellite internet comes into play to serve the remaining hardest-to-reach areas. While more providers continue to work on rolling out T-Mobil 5G services, more Alaskans can expect to get faster home wireless internet connection in the coming years. It is also advisable to compare providers in your area with regard to coverage, the speeds offered as well as the cost to find the most suitable internet service provider for your needs.
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