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Cell Phone Coverage in Alaska
Find the Best Cell Phone Carrier for You
There are multiple cell phone carriers to choose from in Alaska. Each has different coverage throughout the state, with some better in the city and others better for out in the bush. If you're planning on moving to Alaska, below are the top carriers to consider based on coverage, pricing, and other features.
AT&T
AT&T has good 4G LTE coverage in town and along roadways. This includes Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, Fairbanks, and most areas around the highways in between (AK-1, AK-2, AK-3, and AK-4). This is because AT&T relies on towers which are strategically placed around these roadways.
AT&T cell phone coverage in Alaska
Verizon
Verizon also has their own towers along much of the same area as AT&T, giving them about the same 4G LTE coverage as AT&T. But the additional benefit of Verizon is that once a Verizon customer is outside the range of Verizon towers, they instantly start roaming on the GCI 3G towers.
Verizon cell phone coverage in Alaska
GCI
GCI coverage is fairly consistent with the other providers in Alaska. However, if you bundle your cell phone service with other services like cable tv and internet, you may qualify for additional perks like cost savings or unlimited bandwidth. GCI claims to have the largest 4G LTE network in Alaska, covering 97% of Alaskans.
GCI cell phone coverage in Alaska
Sprint
Just like Verizon, Sprint roams on GCI towers in Alaska. While you might not notice much difference in coverage between Sprint and Verizon in Alaska, the quality of customer support at Sprint has been known to be lacking. That's where the cost savings comes in.
Sprint cell phone coverage in Alaska
Straight Talk
Straight Talk is a cheaper alternative to the other carriers mentioned above. Straight Talk is a type of carrier known as a MVNO which stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator. Instead of running their own wireless network, Straight Talk pays for the right to use towers from the other carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Since Straight Talk uses towers from all of these carriers, they are also compatible with all devices supported by these carriers. Straight Talk makes it easy to sign up at Wal-mart store locations, but don't expect the same level of customer service afterward.
Straight Talk coverage when you bring your own CDMA phone (Verizon, Sprint):
Straight Talk coverage when you bring your own GSM phone (AT&T, T-Mobile):
Straight Talk coverage when you purchase a Straight Talk branded phone:
Straight Talk cell phone coverage in Alaska
If you have any questions about cell phone coverage in Alaska, please don't hesitate to contact us!
