These days, users are able to do more using the internet than they ever have before, and America Connects provides you with more ways to get connected. Just enter your address inside the box above to find internet providers and the cheapest plans in your city.
Trying to determine which internet service will work the best for you? Continue reading to find out more about internet access options, speeds and more.
Which Alaska High Speed Internet Service is Right for you?
The internet has become a powerful tool that enables you to keep in touch with family and friends, work remotely from your home, download media to enjoy on your own schedule and much more. Internet service providers (ISPs) understand that your internet needs are unique and now they offer more options for high speed internet than ever.
What exactly is High Speed Internet?
When the internet was initially unveiled in the mid-1990's, the sole option was what's known as dial-up service. Dial-up delivers internet access to the home employing a local phone number and active phone line. At the time this was a great choice for many people since most people already had a home phone.
However, internet speeds tended to be slow and depended on your location. The other drawback was that in order to access the internet the telephone line used as the connection had to be free. As the internet grew to incorporate more robust media and sites many discovered they required a quicker internet service.
Internet Service Providers looked to cable and digital subscriber lines (DSLs) to deliver speedier internet services. These methods are often referred to as "broadband". Over time as the services have gotten better, the measurement for what is considered high-speed has evolved.
Currently, the FCC considers an internet service to be high speed if they have data download or upload speeds exceeding 768,000 bits per second (768 Kbps). The speed of your high speed internet may still vary based on a few factors such as how much bandwidth you share with other subscribers using your internet service provider as well as your proximity to your internet service provider.
Those thinking about high speed internet can choose between cable internet, DSL internet, satellite internet or fiber optic high speed internet services.
Alaska Cable Broadband Internet Services and Providers
Cable high speed internet services utilize a cable TV connection to supply consumers with broadband internet access. In order to make the connection there's a cable modem on the users end along with a cable modem termination system on the cable providers end. The space between the modem and termination system can be up to 100 miles without any difficulties occurring.
Cable high speed internet can run at around 30 Mbps, however some cable modems may limit the volume of data being transmitted. Furthermore, when using cable internet services you share bandwidth with other consumers. The network monitor makes sure that bandwidth is distributed efficiently so that service doesn't slow during hours when overall usage peaks.
There are many service provider options for cable internet. Time Warner and Comcast are major cable internet service providers throughout most of the nation.
Check the availability of cable internet service in your area - enter your address inside the box above.
Alaska DSL High Speed Internet Services and Providers
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) internet services transmit data through a copper telephone line. Unlike dial-up services, DSL works off of frequencies that are not used for making phone calls by splitting the line in two - one for voice calls and another for broadband internet use.
DSL lines run from a central office out to consumers. This typically confines DSL distribution to a short distance of 2 miles from the central office, though some lines go up to 5 miles long. This factor also affects the exact download and upload speeds.
The good news is that virtually no infrastructure is required and it's a true high speed internet service that transmits data at a rate as high as 10Mbps. DSL also delivers better dependability and security than some other options because it is being supplied by a phone line that often isn't shared.
Top DSL ISPs include AT&T. You can find DSL options from providers in your neighborhood by entering your address within the box above.
Alaska Satellite Internet Services and Providers
Satellite high speed internet services employ orbiting satellites to capture and pass on broadband data between a satellite company and its customers. Although the download and upload speeds qualify as broadband, because data must travel to the satellite and back over many miles users can occasionally experience signal delays of about 1-2 seconds.
Despite the potential for short delays, satellite broadband internet is capable of delivering data at 5Mbps. Satellite internet is ideal for those wanting broadband internet in rural places where DSL and cable services aren't available. AT&T, and the Dish Network are both major providers of satellite internet services.
See if satellite broadband internet services are available in your town by entering your address in the box above.
Alaska Fiber Optic Broadband Internet Services and Providers
Fiber optic is the latest and fastest approach to bring high speed internet into the home. Networks of fiber optic cables can deliver broadband internet nearly 25 times faster than other broadband options and are more reliable than cable, DSL and satellite services. This is mainly because fiber optic wiring is more durable than other connections and isn't troubled by storms, static or noise.
For those wanting the fastest high speed high speed internet access fiber optic is the way to go. Fiber optic networks are recognized for their ability to transmit data at rates as high as 50 Mbps.
Presently, Comcast and AT&T provide fiber optic/copper hybrid services but 100% fiber optic high speed internet services are only available through Verizon FiOS. They started providing fiber optic internet services in 2006 and are continuously increasing their service areas.
See if fiber optic internet services are available in your town - enter your address in the box above.
