Choosing to live in a rural area can mean giving up a fast internet connection. If a wired connection like DSL or cable isn’t available, wireless home internet or satellite may be an option. Each comes with different speeds, prices, and data caps. Check out rural areas internet options like Viasat and HughesNet.
DSL
DSL is popular among many of the rural internet options for users. It uses existing phone lines to deliver service, making it relatively affordable and widely available. While DSL lags in speed compared to other options, it provides enough bandwidth for basic applications like web browsing and instant messaging.
It’s important to remember that DSL speeds can vary depending on your distance from the provider’s central network. The farther you are from the provider, your connection will be slower. Improvements are being made that may allow broadband to reach even the most remote areas. Fiber optic technology is one of the fastest Internet options on the market, offering up to 940 Megabits per second (Mbps). While fiber has yet to be widely available in rural communities, contact your Internet Service Provider to see if it’s an option for you.
Another high-speed Internet option is fixed wireless. This service is provided by local Internet providers who send a signal from a radio tower to a receiver at your home or business. The speed depends on how close you are to the building, so you may want to check out different providers to see which has the best coverage in your area.
Mobile broadband is also an option for those in rural areas who don’t have access to cable or DSL. With mobile broadband, you can connect to the Internet using a cell phone or tablet by creating a Wi-Fi hotspot with your device. Some providers offer a standalone Internet service, while others bundle it with satellite TV services.
While the digital divide is still a significant problem in rural areas, many local Internet providers are bringing new services to rural communities. Rural Internet users can now take online classes, work from home, and stay connected with friends and family nationwide.
Whether you live in the city or the country, you deserve fast Internet that works well for you. If your current Internet isn’t up to the task, it’s time to change. The KR Group can help you find the solution for your unique needs.
Satellite
In rural areas, high-speed Internet is only sometimes available. That’s why it’s essential to understand the options available to choose the best plan for your needs. Whether you’re looking for rural DSL, fixed wireless, or 5G home internet, several providers can offer reliable service and speeds you can count on. If you’re considering satellite, be sure to check out the data caps before you commit. Most providers now include unlimited data with their plans or let you upgrade for an additional fee if you’re going to exceed your limit.
While it’s important to remember that internet speeds in rural America will never be as fast as those found in more populated regions, the latest technology is helping to bridge the gap. Companies like SpaceX and Amazon are investing billions into low-Earth orbit satellite systems, which could soon improve rural internet speed. As a result, more people living in rural America will likely have access to the high-speed Internet they deserve.
DSL might be the best choice for rural Internet if faster options, such as cable and fiber, aren’t available. DSL offers 10-25 Mbps download speeds, ideal for basic tasks like email and single-device video streaming. Consider satellite or other rural high-speed options for gaming or higher bandwidth needs.
Fixed wireless and 5G home internet are alternatives to satellite but less widespread than DSL or satellite. HughesNet or Viasat satellite internet could be the sole choice in areas without these options.
Be sure to explore all of your rural internet options before committing. You may be surprised at the results!
Fixed Wireless
Several fixed wireless home internet providers offer rural services. These companies use cell tower radio waves to provide a wireless connection for your home instead of phone or cable lines. Some of our top picks for rural broadband internet include Rise Broadband, T-Mobile’s 5G home Internet, and Xtreme (Mediacom). While these options are only available in some places, they improve as time progresses.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for rural Internet services:
When comparing your options, know how much data you plan on using each month. Some rural Internet providers have data caps, which can quickly add up if you need to be more careful. Ensure your provider offers unlimited data in your area or lets you monitor your usage and avoid overage charges.
Another essential thing to consider is whether or not your rural internet provider has contracts or early termination fees (ETFs). This can be a deal breaker if you want to avoid committing to a specific provider long-term. You can also save money by choosing a satellite or wireless option, but be aware that these options often have lower speeds than fiber or cable.
As mentioned above, DSL is a good choice for those who only need the Internet for essential use. It can be slow at peak times, but it’s a solid option for people who don’t need to stream or work online frequently. DSL plans from Xfinity or CenturyLink may be a better option if you need higher speed.
Consider a mobile hotspot for your rural home, but its effectiveness varies based on location and household usage. Keep in mind that cellular data can be costly, potentially leading to overage charges. Some phones have built-in hotspots, while others, like Verizon Jetpack or Skyroam Solis, can be bought separately. You can check with your mobile carrier to see what hotspot options are available in your area.
Mobile
As technology evolves, more people rely on the Internet for work and life. Whether working from home, studying for an online degree, or simply streaming video games and chatting with friends, it’s crucial to have a reliable high-speed connection. However, finding a rural internet provider that offers fast download speeds at an affordable price can take time and effort.
Rural broadband options are improving each year. With fiber, fixed wireless, and 5G on the horizon, many more rural communities will soon have access to high-speed internet service. In the meantime, satellite and DSL remain available in many areas and are often cheaper than cable or fiber options.
DSL is an excellent option for rural residents because it uses landline phone networks already present in most homes. Its low price tag makes it a popular choice for budget-minded customers, and its speed can often exceed 100 Mbps. However, DSL isn’t ideal for households that use multiple devices and rely on streaming services, as it can have significant lag time.
If you need a more consistent Internet connection, fixed wireless may be a better option. With plans that offer up to 115 Mbps, EarthLink’s fixed wireless Internet is a solid choice in rural areas, and it can compete with DSL and satellite for speed and reliability.
Another promising option is SpaceX’s Starlink, a new and advanced satellite Internet service offering lower latency than traditional providers. It also boasts a high upload speed, which is ideal for gamers.
As you shop around for a rural broadband solution, consider any data caps that come with your chosen service. Limits on how much data you can use in a month can get expensive quickly, and most broadband providers will charge overage fees when you exceed your limit. For this reason, finding a plan with no data cap or unlimited data is crucial.
