Best Internet Providers in Anchorage, Alaska for 2024
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Anchorage, AK
Not all plans are available in all areas. Provider plan, availability, and speed tier data provided by BroadbandNow.com. Speedtest real-world data is only present where sample size has reached significance within a region. Additionally, averages may include aggregated tests across multiple Internet Types (Fiber, DSL, Cable, etc.).
At Speedtest, we take pride in delivering reliable and accurate data, serving as the foundation for our ISP evaluations. Our insights are derived from millions around the globe who conduct Speedtests, ensuring our recommendations are based on dependable, up-to-date speed data. This approach empowers us to present an impartial overview of how ISPs truly perform.
Three crucial metrics for assessing an ISP's efficacy are download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed is paramount for activities such as streaming and downloading, as it affects how quickly data is received by your device. Upload speed, important for uploading files and online communication, measures how fast data travels from your device to the web. Latency, or ping, plays a crucial role in online gaming and video calls, dictating the promptness of your connection. Armed with comprehensive data on these metrics, you're equipped to choose an ISP that matches your internet usage needs exactly.
The technology behind an ISP significantly influences your online experience quality. Fiber optics often deliver the fastest speeds, catering well to those with hefty internet demands. While cable internet is more common and usually offers good download capabilities, its upload speeds can be slower. DSL technology provides adequate speeds for general web surfing and streaming. Lastly, satellite internet, frequently the sole option in remote areas, often faces higher latency and reduced speeds.
How Much Speed Do I Need?
Download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. A quick guide to what speeds you need for different online activities is below, and you can read our full guide to internet speeds and performance for more information. Keep in mind that the numbers below are the bare minimum for one device at a time. If you’re trying to use multiple devices on a network at the same time, you’ll want higher speeds.
0–5 Mbps (Slow)
- Stream SD video
- Connect on Slack
- Use Microsoft Teams
- Write and read email
- Scroll social media
- General web browsing
5–20 Mbps (Better)
- Stream HD video at 1080p
20–40 Mbps (Solid)
- Stream 4K video
- Play games online
40–100 Mbps (Good)
- Stream HD games
100+ Mbps (Fast)
- Engage in multi-player gaming
- Download huge files
1+ Gbps (Very fast)
- Do anything you want on multiple devices
ISP Speeds in Anchorage, AK
Based on our proprietary Speedtest data, GCI leads the pack in Anchorage, Alaska, with the fastest recorded median download speeds reaching 272.07 Mbps. This indicates an exceptionally high level of performance, suggesting GCI could be a top choice for consumers seeking rapid internet services.
When focusing on the maximum advertised download speeds, GCI again stands out with a remarkable offer of up to 2,000 Mbps, followed by Starlink at 220 Mbps. It's important for consumers to note the potential discrepancy between these advertised and the actual speeds experienced. Such variances highlight the value of real-world speed tests in setting realistic expectations.
A good rule of thumb is considering download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps or more as adequate for nearly all online activities, including streaming 4K HD videos, downloading large work files, or playing online games across multiple devices. Your required speed significantly depends on your online activities and the number of people using the connection simultaneously. Remember, the overall internet usage is cumulative, and the number of connected devices can significantly impact the speed requirements for your household.
Anchorage Fixed Speeds
Download Mbps
Median download speed
Upload Mbps
Median upload speed
Latency ms
Median latency
To be added to this list for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 200 monthly unique user results. To be updated for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 100 monthly unique user results.
An operator or ISP must account for 3% or more of total test samples in the market to be on this list. We display data if at least two operators or ISPs meet this threshold in a designated region or city.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
Home Internet in Anchorage
In Anchorage, Alaska, residents have access to a variety of internet types provided by several ISPs, including DSL, Cable, Satellite, and Fixed Wireless options. This diversity ensures that consumers have multiple choices to suit their internet needs, from basic browsing to high-demand online gaming or streaming.
Among the providers, satellite providers like Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat boast the highest coverage across the city with a theoretical 100% service availability. For those interested in faster speeds, GCI's cable offering is available to 96% of Anchorage. When considering an ISP, residents should take into account not only the coverage but also the type of internet service offered and its compatibility with their usage habits and preferences. For instance, those with high data demands might lean towards providers like GCI, which offers Cable internet with notably high maximum advertised download speeds.
It’s prudent to bear in mind that the maximum speeds advertised by providers may not always align with the real-world speeds users experience. This discrepancy underscores the importance of leveraging verified Speedtest data to form a clearer expectation of service performance, thereby making an informed decision.
How we test the speed of ISPs
Speedtest is the definitive way to test the performance and quality of an internet connection. Millions of users like you use Speedtest.net and our Android and iOS apps every day to test internet performance (including bandwidth, latency, coverage, video metrics, and more) in real world situations. We then use rigorous scientific approaches to aggregate and anonymize those results to empower people like you with content like this so you can understand and optimize your internet experience.
The data found within has not been subjected to the rigorous Speedtest marketing claims and data methodology, and therefore cannot be used in commercial applications. Additionally, promised speeds and plans offered are always subject to change.
How to test your internet speed
Speedtest can help you test the speed and overall performance of your internet for free from any device. Click here to open a new page and take a Speedtest. You can then compare your results with what you’ve learned about internet performance near you. If you aren’t getting the results you expect, you can either use this guide to use your Speedtest results to talk to your internet provider or you can shop for a new provider.