Best Internet Providers in Alaska

Navigating internet options in Alaska can be challenging despite the state’s stunning natural landscapes, national parks, glaciers, and abundant seafood. For the 730,000 residents of Alaska, choices for broadband services, including fiber, fixed wireless, DSL, and satellite, require some level of compromise when selecting an internet service provider (ISP). Experts at FASTNET suggest GCI as a leading choice for many Alaskans, assuming service availability in your area.

Best Internet Provider in Alaska: GCI

FASTNET designates GCI as the premier internet service provider in Alaska, acknowledging its exceptional speeds reaching up to 2.5 gigabits per second and its expansive and continuously expanding availability among wired providers within the state.

For those prioritizing budget-friendly plans or seeking the most rapid download speeds, noteworthy alternatives are available. Alaska Communications presents one of the most economical internet packages in Alaska, delivering speeds up to 2,500Mbps with plans commencing at $80 per month.

Selecting an internet provider in Alaska often involves trade-offs, be it in speed, cost, or dependability. Residents in rural locales frequently find themselves choosing between satellite, fixed wireless, or DSL connections, with satellite frequently being the sole feasible option for some. While the broadband landscape might appear somewhat limited, substantial federal investment exceeding $1 billion is being directed towards Alaska to enhance internet access within underserved communities, signaling a promising outlook for improved connectivity.

Top Alaska Internet Service Options in 2025

Comparing Alaska Internet Providers

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Rural Internet Access in Alaska

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Alaska Internet Options by City

Providing comprehensive coverage of broadband options for the entirety of Alaska while offering detailed insights for individual cities presents a challenge. Consequently, we also compile curated lists of the leading internet providers across various Alaskan cities. These resources delve into specifics such as internet connection types, maximum speeds, and the most affordable providers. If your city is not currently listed, please revisit this page, as we are actively expanding our coverage to encompass more locations on a weekly basis.

Finding Affordable Internet in Alaska

Budget internet service in Alaska is not easily found. Many of the lower-cost services common in the contiguous 48 states are not available in Alaska. This excludes bundled deals with providers like Verizon 5G Home Internet or T-Mobile Home Internet. In Alaska, securing a monthly internet bill under $100 for satisfactory speeds is considered favorable. Both GCI and Alaska Communications offer plans priced below $100, although speeds may fluctuate depending on location and connection type.

Cheapest Internet Plans in Alaska

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Broadband Internet in Alaska: Key Details

Many rural Alaska ISPs originated from established telephone cooperatives, naturally expanding into internet services. This explains the prevalence of DSL as a common option among these local companies. DSL networks, while widespread, often present limitations such as slower speeds compared to cable or fiber. Nonetheless, DSL can be a viable solution where alternatives are scarce. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) data indicates that 100% of Alaskan residents have access to broadband speeds, defined minimally as 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload. This figure accounts for satellite internet availability, which may not suit every user due to cost or unobstructed sky view requirements.

Fiber optic internet availability in Alaska remains limited. FCC data suggests only approximately 10% of residents have access to fiber connections. For gigabit speeds or higher, this figure further decreases to a mere 7%. The limited fiber access tends to concentrate in more densely populated regions. However, there are notable exceptions. Copper Valley Telecom, a local ISP, provides Valdez, a city with fewer than 4,000 residents, with fiber internet plans reaching up to 1,000Mbps. While fiber internet is highly desirable, Alaska’s geography and remote character pose considerable challenges to widespread fiber network deployment.

Finding Internet Promotions and Deals in Alaska

The most advantageous internet deals and promotions in Alaska are contingent on current discount availability. While most deals are temporary, we consistently monitor for the latest offers.

Large national providers generally maintain consistent pricing throughout the year in many regions. However, smaller, local Alaskan providers, such as GCI, do not adhere to fixed schedules for price adjustments.

For a more extensive compilation of current promotions, consult our guide on top internet deals.

Alaska Broadband Speed Analysis

Regarding internet speed, Alaska ranks 49th among the 50 US states and Washington, DC, according to Ookla’s Q4 2023 Speedtest.net rankings. With a median download speed of 119Mbps, Alaska trails significantly behind the national median of 262Mbps. Ookla identifies GCI as the fastest provider in Alaska, achieving a respectable median download speed of 284Mbps.

Fast internet in Alaska can be challenging to obtain, particularly in remote areas. While approximately 100% of Alaskan households can access speeds of at least 100Mbps, access to 250Mbps drops to 70%, as reported by the FCC. For individuals prioritizing high-speed internet when relocating to Alaska, thorough research into location-specific availability is crucial. Major cities are more likely to offer gigabit speeds.

As of February 2025, Ookla reports Alaska’s median download speed for fixed internet at 165Mbps. City-level data from Ookla indicates Anchorage with a median fixed internet download speed of 250Mbps, Fairbanks at 258Mbps, and Juneau at 272Mbps. These figures are subject to change over time.

With limited provider choices, switching to a faster ISP is not always possible. Optimizing your existing connection can be achieved by implementing strategies to enhance your Wi-Fi performance.

Fastest Internet Plans Available in Alaska

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Understanding Good Internet Speeds

Most current internet plans adequately support basic online tasks and communication. However, for activities like videoconferencing, video streaming, or gaming, a more robust connection is recommended for optimal performance. Below are the FCC’s recommended minimum download speeds for various online applications. Keep in mind these are general guidelines and actual internet speed, service, and performance can differ based on connection type, provider, and specific location.

For detailed information, consult our guide on determining your ideal internet speed requirements.

• 0 to 5Mbps: Suitable for basic browsing, email, and low-quality video streaming.
• 5 to 40Mbps: Enables higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
• 40 to 100Mbps: Generally sufficient bandwidth for a single user engaged in telecommuting, video streaming, and online gaming.
• 100 to 500Mbps: Supports one to two users simultaneously engaging in bandwidth-intensive activities such as videoconferencing, streaming, and online gaming.
• 500 to 1,000Mbps: Accommodates three or more users concurrently performing high-bandwidth activities.

FASTNET’s Methodology for Ranking Alaska Internet Providers

Internet service providers are diverse and often regionally focused. Unlike consumer electronics, direct testing of every ISP in every city is impractical. Our methodology involves utilizing a proprietary database encompassing pricing, availability, and speed data. This database aggregates historical ISP information, partner data, and mapping data sourced from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC.gov).

Our process extends to verifying data accuracy by cross-referencing with the FCC’s website to ensure all ISPs in a given area are considered. We also utilize provider websites to input local addresses and identify specific options for residents. Customer satisfaction evaluations are incorporated using sources like the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. Note that ISP plans and pricing are dynamic and subject to change; all information presented is current as of the publication date.

With localized data compiled, our evaluation centers on three core questions:

• Does the provider offer reasonably fast internet speeds?
• Do customers receive good value relative to the cost?
• Are customers satisfied with the service provided?

Responses to these questions are nuanced, but providers aligning most closely with affirmative answers across all criteria are those we recommend. For identifying the most affordable internet service, we prioritize plans with the lowest monthly fees, while also considering potential price increases, equipment charges, and contract terms. Selecting the fastest internet service is more direct, focusing on advertised download and upload speeds and incorporating real-world speed data from sources including Ookla and FCC reports. (Ookla is under the same parent company as FASTNET, Ziff Davis.)

For a more detailed understanding of our evaluation process, please visit our “how we test ISPs” page.

Final Thoughts on Alaska Internet Service

Alaska presents significant obstacles to the expansion of high-speed and affordable broadband internet. Challenging terrain, severe weather conditions, and numerous remote communities complicate infrastructure development. Fortunately, enhancing broadband access, particularly in these remote regions, has become a priority. Cordova Telecom Cooperative announced a submarine fiber optic cable project in 2023 extending from Cordova to Juneau, aiming to deliver fiber internet to Pelican, Yakutat, Gustavus, and Hoonah, a project anticipated to span five years. Additionally, Alaska is allocated $100 million in US Department of Agriculture funding to expand fiber (and some wireless) internet infrastructure in the Bethel, Yukon-Kuskokwim, Kusilvak, and Hoonah-Angoon areas. GCI’s initiatives to deploy fiber-based wired connections to remote communities are also noteworthy. In December 2023, GCI’s Aleutians Fiber Project connected over 4,000 Alaskans, providing access to speeds up to 2.5Gigabits per second. Alaska’s broadband landscape is poised for improvement and growth.

Residents can anticipate a selection of DSL, satellite, and fixed wireless plans. While options remain limited in many remote areas, satellite providers like Starlink, with plans starting around $120 monthly, are generally accessible. GCI offers top speeds of 2,500Mbps for approximately $190 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions about Internet in Alaska