Source: CNET analysis of provider data
There aren’t many truly “cheap” internet options in Juneau. The lowest starting price comes from HughesNet, which offers two plans for $50 a month (in the first year, at least), but adds an extra $14 for equipment. SnowCloud is the cheaper all-in provider, with plans starting at $65 for 100Mbps speeds and no equipment fees.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
---|---|---|---|
HughesNet 15 GB Read full review | $50 | 15Mbps | $14 |
HughesNet 50 GB Read full review | $50 ($75 after one year) | 25Mbps | $14 |
SnowCloud | $65 | 100Mbps | None |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data
The best internet deals and the top promotions in Juneau depend on what discounts are available during that time period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Juneau internet providers such as GCI may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including SnowCloud, Starlink and Alaska Communications, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of deals, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Internet in Juneau is extremely slow compared to cities in the lower 48, but it stacks up well compared to other cities in Alaska. 97% of Juneau residents have access to 250/25Mbps speeds, compared to just 70% statewide. That’s entirely thanks to GCI; it’s the fastest provider in the state, and it’s available virtually everywhere in Juneau.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
GCI red Unlimited | $200 | 2,500Mbps | 75Mbps | Unlimited | Cable |
GCI Fastest Unlimited | $175 | 1,000Mbps | 40Mbps | Unlimited | Cable |
GCI Faster Unlimited | $135 | 500Mbps | 20Mbps | Unlimited | Cable |
GCI Fast+ | $100 | 250Mbps | 10Mbps | 250GB | Cable |
Starlink Read full review | $90 | 220Mbps | 20Mbps | Unlimited | Satellite |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds, and also take into account real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
Compared to the country as a whole, the internet landscape in Juneau leaves a lot to be desired. But that’s apples to oranges -- by Alaska’s standards, Juneau fares pretty well. The best internet provider for most people is GCI, which is the only wired connection in the city. It’s the fastest internet in Juneau by far, but it’s on the expensive side, and you’ll have to deal with data caps on most plans. If you’re looking for cheap internet in Juneau, SnowCloud is your best bet, with plans starting at just $65. Satellite internet from Starlink is another option for reasonably fast speeds, but it requires a $599 equipment purchase upfront.
What is the best internet service provider in Juneau?
GCI is the best internet service provider in Juneau, with plans starting at $85 per month for 250Mbps speeds. There are more unlimited options available now, although depending on your area you may see more plans with data caps.
Is fiber internet available in Juneau?
Fiber internet is available to less than 1% of Juneau, according to FCC data. This is offered through Alaska Communications, which has introduced fiber service to a handful of streets in the city.
Who is the cheapest internet provider in Juneau?
SnowCloud is the cheapest internet provider in Juneau, with plans starting at $65 per month for 100Mbps speeds. HughesNet also offers satellite service starting at $50 per month for 15Mbps, but equipment costs an extra $14 monthly, and it requires a two-year commitment.
Which internet provider in Juneau offers the fastest plan?
GCI offers the fastest internet plan in Juneau, with 2,500Mbps speeds available for $200 per month.
Source: cnet.com