Which is better, GCI or Borealis Broadband?

GCI is faster; Borealis Broadband is cheaper to start, and GCI is available to more people. Where both are offered (about 228,872 people), GCI has the faster top speed for 100% of homes.

FasterGCITop speed 2,500 Mbps vs 100 Mbps; faster for 100% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startBorealis BroadbandFrom $50 a month, vs $89.99.

Better ratedToo close to callToo few reviews to compare yet (21 and 0).

Available to more peopleGCI578,213 people in 1 state, vs 230,625 in 1 state.

GCI
Price: $89.99 - $189.99 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 2,500 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fixed wireless, and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (21)
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Borealis Broadband
Price: $50.00 / mo.
Speed: 100 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (0)
View Plans

GCI vs. Borealis Broadband at a glance

Measure	GCI	Borealis Broadband
Available to	578,213 people in 1 state	230,625 people in 1 state
Main technology	Cable 93%, fixed wireless 4.8%, fiber 2.9%	Fixed wireless 100%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	2,500 Mbps	100 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	2,500 Mbps down, 75 Mbps up	500 Mbps down, 500 Mbps up
Starting price	$89.99 a month	$50 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$2,160 (250 Mbps plan)	$1,200 (500 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	2.7 of 5 (21 reviews)	No reviews yet
Rated for speed	3.2 of 5	No reviews yet
Rated for price	2.5 of 5	No reviews yet
Where both are offered	About 228,872 people (99% of Borealis Broadband's area); GCI is faster for 100% of them

Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.

Where GCI and Borealis Broadband are available

GCI and Borealis Broadband have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

GCI currently offers internet service in 145 cities and 22 counties across 1 state, reaching approximately 579,865 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Anchorage, AK; Fairbanks, AK; and Eagle River, AK. By comparison, Borealis Broadband serves 230,625 residents in 4 cities and 1 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Anchorage, AK; Eagle River, AK; and Fort Richardson, AK.

Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: GCI coverage map and Borealis Broadband coverage map.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether GCI, Borealis Broadband or both are offered at your home.

GCI vs. Borealis Broadband Speeds and Technology

GCI and Borealis Broadband utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, GCI offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 2,376 Mbps compared to Borealis Broadband’s average speed of 100 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. GCI’s premium Fiber service reaches 2.9% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Borealis Broadband’s top-tier fixed wireless is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

GCI vs. Borealis Broadband Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for GCI and Borealis Broadband, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.

Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.

Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

GCI vs. Borealis Broadband Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate GCI and Borealis Broadband based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

GCI vs. Borealis Broadband Pros and Cons

GCI

From 18 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Faster where both are offered: the faster top speed for 100% of those homes.

Cons

• Expensive for what you get: a complaint in 9 of 18 written reviews (4 call it good value). "kind of expensive for what we are given"
• Poor customer service: a complaint in 7 of 18 written reviews. "calling support to Mehico does not help since they cannot be understood"
• Outages and drops: a complaint in 3 of 18 written reviews. "total neighborhood outage while being told there is no outage"
• Slow uploads: 40 Mbps up on its 1,000 Mbps plan.

Borealis Broadband

No written reviews yet; these lines come from our data.

Pros

• Cheaper to start: $50 a month, vs $89.99 from GCI.

Cons

GCI vs. Borealis Broadband Top Cities

GCI serves 145 cities while Borealis Broadband is available in 4 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.