Forum Discussion
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...
Hola @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 Preguntas frecuentes sobre roaming nacional de datos 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.
I'm visiting Anchorage and just got a text saying I have used 4GB of my 5GB roaming data. I am connected through GCI, but it seems it is still considered roaming to the TMobile systems. The partnership must be limited to being able to connect through and roam on GCI, not to extend TMobile service. Their service map is clearly misleading in that you can connect, but it is not TMobile, and you're capped at 5GB.
