Find and compare internet providers in Alaska
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Best for satellite internet
- Prices: $49.99 per month
- Speeds up to: 100 Mbps
Alaska is known for its breathtaking national parks, glaciers and lakes but faces unique challenges in delivering fast and reliable internet service. Due to the state’s diverse and rugged terrain, Alaska’s median internet speeds are significantly lower than the national average, with upload speeds averaging about 89 Mbps and download speeds around 18 Mbps.
In more populated cities like Anchorage, you’ll find a wider range of internet options and faster speeds. GCI’s cable service offers the highest speeds, starting at $89.99/mo. For those living in remote or rural areas, your options may be limited to satellite providers such as Starlink and Hughesnet. Although fiber internet is available in Alaska, it is limited to only about 4% of the state.
Read on to explore options from internet service providers in Alaska.
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Best internet providers in Alaska
With limited ISP availability in Alaska, GCI stands out as a top choice. Offering a broad range of download speeds from 250 to 2,500 Mbps, GCI’s cable internet service delivers some of the fastest speeds available in the state. With a starting price range of $89.99 to $189.99/mo. and coverage extending to 71% of Alaska, GCI outpaces other providers by providing reliable and high-speed internet. While other ISPs, like Starlink and Hughesnet, offer extensive coverage through satellite, GCI’s combination of speed, reliability and coverage makes it the best available choice for Alaskan residents.
Compare starting prices, speeds and coverage of Alaska internet providers in the following table:
| Provider | Starting price* | Download speed | Connection type | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink | $120/mo. | 25–220 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
| Hughesnet | $49.99–$94.99/mo. | 50–100 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
| GCI | $89.99–$189.99/mo. | 250–2,500 Mbps | Cable | 71% |
| Viasat | $119.99/mo. | 25–150 Mbps | Satellite | 61% |
| Borealis Broadband | $40–$170/mo. | 3-30 Mbps | Fixed wireless | 24% |
| Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA) | $69.99–$179.99/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Fiber | 17% |
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
Internet technology in Alaska
There are multiple available internet providers in Alaska, but the landscape and location impact the availability of connection types. You can find satellite internet coverage in 100% of Alaska from providers like Starlink and Hughesnet. This makes satellites ideal for those in hard-to-reach areas.
Cable is the second most available connection type with 81% coverage and the fastest speeds in Alaska of up to 2,500 Mbps. This makes it an excellent choice for high-speed internet needs, especially in more populated areas. You can find fiber internet in Alaska with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, but it has limited availability.
Due to the challenges of delivering service to remote locations, pricing in Alaska tends to be higher compared to the U.S. average of $40–$60/mo. Instead, you’ll find Alaska’s pricing for home Wi-Fi plans ranging from about $50 to $185/mo.
| Connection type | Starting price* | Speeds up to | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satellite | $49.99–$120/mo. | 220 Mbps | 100% |
| Cable | $89.99–$189.99/mo. | 2,500 Mbps | 81% |
| Fixed wireless / 5G | $50–$170/mo. | 30 Mbps | 59% |
| Fiber | $69.99–$179.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbs | 4% |
Top Alaska cities
As one of the most populated cities, Anchorage has faster internet speeds than the state average. In Anchorage, you’ll find median download speeds of about 184 Mbps and median upload of nearly 20 Mbps. The city offers a variety of connection types to choose from, including fiber, fixed wireless and satellite. You can expect to pay a monthly bill between $50 and $189.99 for home Wi-Fi in Anchorage.
Cheap internet options in Alaska
The cheapest internet options in Alaska are about $50/mo. from Hughesnet and Borealis Broadband. Review your internet usage and needs before choosing the cheapest plan. Borealis Broadband’s 5G internet plan has download speeds of only 3 Mbps. While $50/mo. compared to $120 seems like a great deal, 3 Mbps internet speed is just enough for sending an email, scrolling social media and browsing the web. If you want to stream your favorite show without lag, you’ll likely need at least 40 Mbps. Hughesnet provides more coverage and faster speeds than Borealis Broadband, but beware of promotional pricing. After your first 12 months, the price increases to about $75/mo.
While the lowest internet prices in Alaska are within the U.S. average range, faster speeds are more expensive.
Fast internet options in Alaska
Due to the amount of rural and remote areas in Alaska, the average download speed is 89 Mbps, with an upload speed of 19 Mbps, according to Ookla speed test data. These speeds are lower than the national average of 243 download and 35 upload. Despite overall slower speeds, residents in more populated areas can access faster speeds.
For high-speed internet, the top options are cable internet from GCI and fiber internet from MTA. Cable internet provides coverage to 81% of Alaska and offers some of the highest speeds available in the state. Fiber internet, with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, is only available to 4% of the population. The limited fiber availability means it’s primarily an option for those in popular cities. Cable remains a more widely accessible choice for faster internet speeds across more of the state.
Rural internet options in Alaska
You’ll find satellite internet in 100% of Alaska, including the most remote locations. Although satellite has slower speeds and higher prices, having internet in rural areas keeps you connected. Starlink and Hughesnet offer the most coverage, and Viasat is available in 61% of the state. Monthly prices from satellite internet start at $49.99–$120/mo. for speeds up to 220 Mbps. If you want the fastest satellite speeds, choose Starlink as your rural internet provider.
Cable has the second most coverage in Alaska, offering speeds up to 2,500 Mbps, which is enough to stream movies on multiple devices. If you’re in a rural area with access to both satellite and cable options, it’s worth comparing the price and speed of each to determine which is best for you.
Alaska internet FAQs
Does Alaska have good internet?
Internet speeds in Alaska vary by location. The average download and upload speeds are significantly lower than the U.S. average. Fast fiber speeds are only available to about 4% of the state, so cable or satellite internet is likely the best option for most Alaskans.
How much is internet in Alaska?
Monthly internet bills in Alaska range from about $50 to $190 depending on the connection type and provider. The price range in Alaska is significantly higher than the average U.S. internet bill of $40 to $60/mo. Unfortunately, there are no opportunities to bundle with TV or combine with mobile from top providers in Alaska, which usually helps to save money.
Why is internet expensive in Alaska?
Alaska’s location and terrain make it more costly to set up and maintain the infrastructure. Also, the state’s remote areas and low population density make it more expensive for internet providers.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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