Does AT&T work in Alaska?

AT&T is among the most renowned cell phone providers in the United States and across the globe that provides reliable and fast service to meet your telecommunication and internet needs. In this article, we will review whether AT&T works in Alaska and evaluate its efficiency and price plans.

While escaping to Alaska seems the most relaxing and entertaining way to escape the intense distractions that life has to offer, it is very important to be able to communicate with your loved ones, whether friends or family when you are away. Generally, the cell phone service in Alaska is great. Previously, most parts of the state were entirely dominated by smaller and local cell phone providers such as ACS and GCI. As time went by and technology advances as the days go by, larger cell phone providers such as AT&T have been taking their time to invest in Alaska to build a more reliable and efficient cellular network nearly everywhere in Alaska. At this point you may be wondering whether AT&T works in Alaska.

Well, it certainly does. In fact in larger cities and towns, AT&T network coverage is pretty great. Some even give you a chance to enjoy 4G network. It operates entirely on a wide network of towers to ensure that you are able to access mobile service.

What else should you know about AT&T when travelling to Alaska?

Well, AT&T provides coverage in most parts of Alaska including but not limited to towns and cities using their own network. In addition, AT&T also provides coverage to other remote parts of the state where they do not have their own network. They call this area off-net coverage.

When subscribing to AT&T network, you will notice that in section 4.5 of your Wireless Customer Agreement, that there may be restrictions or limits that are imposed on your off-net usage. In section 4.5.2, it is clearly and specifically stated that the data usage limit is either 20% of your total bill or the lesser of 100MB during a bill period. When in Alaska, you may receive one or more notices because your line may have gone over the off-net data usage threshold.

So, what happens when you use over 100MB of off-network data when in Alaska?

The first time that you would reach the data limit in a bill period, you will see an off-network notification bar on the screen of your device that lets you know that you are in an off-net coverage area and you will get an immediate text alert and a letter in your mail letting you know that you have used a lot more than the anticipated 100 MB allowance.

The only thing you can do in this case is to reduce/control your off-net data usage. It is even easier when you are able to use as much Wi-Fi as possible when in Alaska. But, if using mobile data, try to avoid uploading high resolution videos and downloading videos until your device is able to access Wi-Fi or when you are back on AT&T’s network.

Well, are you still going over your off-network data usage limits?

As mentioned in section 4.5.4 of AT&T’s Wireless Customer Agreement, you will receive another notice and your wireless service may be cancelled but before this happens, you will find another letter in your mail and a text that notifies you that you have exceeded your data limits. When your service has been cancelled when on off-net coverage, the two providers you can contact are summarized in the table below.

Tips to manage your off-network data use when in Alaska

To manage your off-network data use when in Alaska, you need to at least explore AT&T’s network coverage map to figure out whether you are using your mobile device in their service areas. Ensure that you have zoomed in a minimum 3 levels to easily view the off-net coverage areas.

It would also be ideal to continually check the top part of your devices screen to see whether it displays ‘AT&T’. If it does not show this then you are using a different cellular provider’s network.

In addition to that, you would need to avoid streaming HD videos, music or any large files that consume higher amounts of data whenever you are off their network. You can also minimize off-network data usage by connecting to Wi-Fi at all times whenever you can. Wi-Fi literally saves you a ton.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know everything about how AT&T works in Alaska, you can comfortably and easily navigate through your trip. It is common to lose network when moving across towns but following a few tips should save you the hassle.

FAQs

1. Does AT&T have coverage in Alaska?

Yes, it does. However, local conditions might affect coverage and reception.

2. Does AT&T have roaming charges for travelers to Alaska?

Roaming charges only apply when you are off-network coverage.