Internet Service Providers in Alaska: An In-Depth Overview

The state of Alaska, known for its breathtaking wilderness and sparse population, faces unique challenges when it comes to internet accessibility. In 2024, Alaska ranks 51st in broadband access across the United States, placing it behind the rest of the country. This ranking is reflective of the difficulties in providing reliable internet access across its vast and rugged terrain. Despite this, advancements continue to improve access in major cities, rural areas, and remote communities.

Alaska Internet Coverage & Availability in 2024

Alaska’s internet landscape in 2024 reveals that 79% of its residents have access to wired or fixed wireless broadband. This means that roughly two in ten Alaskans still struggle with internet access and may not have a connection strong enough to support modern needs, such as remote work or online learning.

However, 77.7% of the population has access to broadband that meets the BroadbandNow definition of 100 Mbps as opposed to the FCC’s outdated 25 Mbps benchmark. This higher threshold is essential for today’s households, which often have multiple devices streaming, gaming, and working simultaneously.

Alaska’s Internet Ranking

Alaska’s ranking as the 51st state in terms of internet accessibility, speed, and coverage indicates how much work remains. The state’s geography and weather make it difficult to build and maintain internet infrastructure. Although fiber-optic service is seen as the gold standard for high-speed internet, only 15.4% of Alaskans currently have access to this option.

To further put this into perspective, Alaska ranks:

• 49th in access to 100Mbps broadband
• 20th in access to 1 Gbps (Gigabit) broadband

This disparity highlights the need for continuous investment and innovation to bring reliable, affordable internet to all Alaskans.

Alaska Internet Facts in 2024

Here are some notable statistics about internet access in Alaska:

• 88% of Alaskan households have some form of internet access.
• 12% of households are still without any internet access.
• 18% of the population rely solely on cellular data for their internet needs.
• 6% use satellite internet, often the only option in remote areas.

Internet Access by Demographic

• Children (<18 years): 5% of households with children lack internet access.
• Adults (18-64 years): 7% of households in this age bracket lack access.
• Seniors (65+ years): 9% of senior households are without internet access.

Income-Based Internet Access

Income disparities are also reflected in access to the internet:

• Households earning less than $20,000 annually are the hardest hit, with 37% lacking internet access.
• Households earning between $20,000-$74,999 have a 14% rate of no internet access.
• Higher-income households (earning $75,000+) have the lowest rate of internet unavailability at 5%.

These statistics reveal a deep digital divide that cuts across age, income, and location.

Major Internet Service Providers in Alaska

Here is a breakdown of the most notable internet service providers (ISPs) available across Alaska, their average speeds, and the percentage of population coverage:

Alaska’s diverse geography necessitates the use of a variety of connection types. From cable and DSL to fiber and satellite, no one-size-fits-all solution exists for providing internet in such a rugged and expansive state.

Provider Comparison

GCI Communication leads in terms of speed and coverage, offering download speeds up to 2000 Mbps. Its service extends to 58.6% of the state’s population, making it one of the most accessible providers in Alaska. On the other hand, Alaska Communications offers speeds of up to 1000 Mbps and covers 25.9% of the population. This provider uses a mix of DSL, fixed wireless, and fiber connections.

Smaller providers such as Borealis Broadband and SPITwSPOTS also offer niche services. Borealis Broadband specializes in fixed wireless connections with speeds of up to 100 Mbps, and SPITwSPOTS offers speeds up to 150 Mbps but covers only 17.1% of the population.

The Importance of Fiber-Optic Internet in Alaska

Despite fiber-optic internet being considered the fastest and most reliable internet option, only 15.4% of Alaska residents currently have access to it. Fiber internet is much more difficult to deploy in Alaska due to the challenges of laying cables through remote and harsh environments. However, fiber is crucial for Alaska’s economic future, particularly in supporting telemedicine, remote work, and distance education.

Table 2: Alaska’s Fiber-Optic Internet Providers

Fiber internet is steadily expanding across Alaska, but its deployment remains concentrated in specific urban areas. The expansion of fiber will significantly reduce latency, increase upload and download speeds, and bring more stability to internet connections in the state.

The Role of Government and Initiatives

The government has recognized the digital divide in Alaska and has launched several initiatives to bridge the gap. Federal programs, such as the FCC’s Lifeline program, aim to provide low-income households with discounted internet services. Additionally, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) allocates funding to develop broadband infrastructure in underserved and unserved areas.

A key quote from Senator Lisa Murkowski highlights the ongoing effort to improve connectivity:

“The internet has become an essential service in the 21st century, and we must ensure that all Alaskans, no matter where they live, have access to reliable and affordable broadband.“

Satellite Internet in Remote Areas

Satellite internet is often the only option for Alaskans living in rural or remote areas. However, satellite connections are plagued by high latency and slow speeds compared to fiber or cable. Providers like Viasat and HughesNet offer plans across the state, but users often experience delays and disruptions due to Alaska’s weather and terrain.

Pros and Cons of Satellite Internet in Alaska

Pros:

• Availability in remote and rural areas
• Suitable for basic internet use such as browsing or email

Cons:

• High latency
• Limited data allowances
• Vulnerable to weather conditions

Given these limitations, satellite internet is often seen as a stop-gap solution until better infrastructure, such as fixed wireless or fiber, can be developed.

Conclusion: The Future of Internet in Alaska

Alaska has made progress in expanding internet access, but challenges remain. The digital divide between urban and rural areas persists, with many households still relying on outdated or expensive options like satellite internet. Fiber expansion and government initiatives will play a critical role in the state’s digital future.

Moving forward, Alaska must focus on:

• Expanding fiber-optic infrastructure to reach more remote communities.
• Continuing to provide low-cost broadband plans for low-income households.
• Increasing competition among ISPs to drive innovation and improve service quality.

Ultimately, improving internet access in Alaska will unlock new opportunities for education, business, and healthcare, making the state more connected to the rest of the world.

References

• BroadbandNow. (2024). Alaska Broadband Coverage Report.
• FCC. (2024). Lifeline Program and Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.
• Murkowski, L. (2024). Senate Address on Alaska Internet Access Expansion.

This concludes an in-depth look at Alaska’s Internet Service Providers, their availability, and the future of internet connectivity in the state.