Alaska has a lot to offer, including rugged natural beauty, national parks and fresh seafood. However, its offerings are less expansive when it comes to internet service for the state's 730,000 residents. Whether it's fiber, fixed wireless, DSL or satellite, you'll have to make some compromises when picking an internet service provider in Alaska. According to our CNET experts, GCI is the top pick for most in the state -- if it's available in your area.
What is the best internet provider in Alaska?
CNET’s pick for the best internet service provider in Alaska is GCI. The ISP earns the top spot on our list thanks to top speeds of 2.5 gigabits per second and the widest (and still growing) availability of any wired provider in the state.
If you're hunting for the lowest prices around or the fastest blazing speeds, we've also found those top options. One of the cheapest internet plans in Alaska is offered by Alaska Communications, featuring up to 2,500Mbps starting at $80 a month.
Almost any choice of internet provider in Alaska will come with some compromises, whether in speed, price or reliability. Rural residents often have to choose between satellite, fixed wireless or DSL connections, with satellite as the only viable option for some. While the broadband scene may sound a little bleak, there are reasons for optimism as over $1 billion in federal funding is pouring into the state to improve internet access in underserved communities.
Best internet options in Alaska in 2025
Alaska internet providers compared Provider Internet technology Monthly price range Speed range Monthly equipment costs Data cap Contract CNET review score Alaska Communications Cable, Fiber $70-$185 250-2,500Mbps Fiber; 10-75Mbps Cable (varies by location) None Unlimited None N/A Borealis Broadband Fixed wireless Varies; $50 starting price 100-500Mbps (varies by location) None 1TB 2-years N/A GCI Cable $90-$190 250-2,500Mbps None Varies 2-years N/A Hughesnet
Read full review Satellite $50-$95 ($75-$120 after 12 months) 50-100Mbps (varies by location) $15-$20 or $300-$450 one-time purchase 100-200GB 2-years 6 SpitwSpots Fixed wireless $89-$159; $99-$199 (Plus); $209 (Warp1) 10-200Mbps; 18-300Mbps (Plus); 1,000Mbps (Warp 1) $9 None Varies N/A Starlink
Read full review Low orbit satellite $120 100-220Mbps $349 one-time purchase Unlimited; 1TB-5TB (Priority) None N/A Viasat
Read full review Satellite $100 25-150Mbps $15 or $250 one-time purchase Unlimited Monthly 6.1 Show more (3 items) Shop providers at my address
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