Forum Discussion

leahrenae76's avatar
leahrenae76
Newbie Caller
9 years ago

Alaska Coverage

I am going to Alaska and would like to know more about the coverage. I already checked the coverage map and it indicated that there is "partner coverage". I also read that the partner coverage is provided by roaming on AT&T's network.

 

Has anybody else been to Alaska and can confirm if it was decent coverage?

 

Is there a charge to roam on AT&T's network? I read someone else's question posted here and one answer was contradictory regarding pricing. The answer stated calling is free but then it said calling is .20 per minute so I'm curious which it is.

 

Is there anything we need to do to ready our phones (iPhone 6plus and Samsung Note 4) to be able to use the AT&T network?

 

Thanks for your help.

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    9 years ago

    Hi @leahrenae76

    Do you have a regular monthly account (postpaid) or are you prepaid?

    Do you know where all you'll be yet?

    Roaming in Alaska will be on either GCI or  AT&T.

    When you're on GCI, it's treated like you're on T-Mobile's network from a bucket. In the places where you might see AT&T, texting/calling is just like normal (included in your plan if you've got a normal postpaid account). For data roaming, you can check out Domestic data roaming FAQs to see how much data you might have available. We have a great roaming deal with GCI, AT&T isn't quite as generous.

    As for coverage, I drove from Canada across through Fairbanks, down to Anchorage and the peninsula below, then back out to Canada. Coverage is generally pretty good. Obviously it's Alaska so there's a lot of nature but if you've looked at the places on the coverage map and it shows service then you should be at least able to call and text. I was chatting (both carrierS), texting (both carriers) and even streaming music/videos (on GCI) throughout my trip.