How to get internet in rural areas and which provider to choose

What to consider when picking an internet provider in rural areas

Even if you live in a rural area, you’ll probably have multiple internet providers to choose from. Here’s what to consider when evaluating internet options for rural areas.

1. Speed: Check each provider’s speeds and whether they will meet your daily needs. If you’re just using the internet to check your email or read the news, speeds up to 5 Mbps will be sufficient. However, if you’re an avid gamer or want to stream high-quality video, you’ll need much faster speeds — potentially 100 Mbps or more.
2. Costs: Next, consider the cost of each internet provider and how they will fit into your budget. In addition to monthly fees, you may also need to pay additional installation costs when living in a rural area.
3. Reliability: Read reviews from other internet users in your area to see how reliable each potential provider is. If a provider frequently suffers outages or other technical problems, they might not be reliable enough for your needs, especially if you work or study from home.
4. Data caps: Some internet providers have data caps, which limit the amount of data you can use each month before incurring additional fees. If you play high-bandwidth games or stream video, you might look for providers with limited data caps.

What internet should you get in rural areas?

With so many different types of internet connections available, it can be tricky to determine which one is best for your situation. The right choice for you depends on location, budget, and browsing needs. Here are some of the options available and their pros and cons.

Digital subscriber line (DSL)

A digital subscriber line, or DSL, uses existing telephone lines to connect to the internet and transmit data. DSL is a very accessible option for rural customers because installation is quick and easy. All you need is a DSL modem and router to set it up. DSL connections are also very affordable, making them a budget-friendly choice for customers.

However, DSL service tends to be slower than other types of internet. The internet signal weakens as you get further away from your provider’s nearest hub, so performance is often limited for rural customers.

Satellite internet

This type of internet works using customer antennas that communicate with satellites orbiting Earth. It is a popular choice for remote customers because it creates a fast, reliable connection, regardless of your location. You also don’t need any ground infrastructure, so installation costs are limited.

However, satellite internet does come with some downsides. When compared to other types of internet, speeds are usually slower and latency is higher due to the long distance data has to travel. Satellite internet is also heavily affected by the weather and may experience outages during thunderstorms or snow storms. Finally, satellite internet will likely have data caps, limiting the amount of data you can stream without additional fees.

Fixed wireless internet

Fixed wireless internet uses radio waves to transmit data from a central tower to remote devices, creating an internet connection. This type of internet is popular in rural areas because it is quick and easy to install. Your internet provider will place an antenna in an optimal location on your property.

For fixed wireless internet to work, your home will need a line-of-sight connection to a broadcast tower nearby. If there isn’t a direct path between a nearby tower and your home, the radio waves will be blocked, resulting in an unstable connection. Not all rural areas have broadcast towers nearby, so availability may be limited.

Mobile broadband (4G/5G)

4G or 5G broadband connections use cellular networks to access the internet. Today’s smartphones have built-in 4G and 5G connectivity, but you can also access these networks on your computer, tablet, or smart TV with a hotspot device.

A hotspot device essentially functions as a portable router. You can bring it with you on the go to access the internet while you’re running errands or traveling, but many rural customers use these devices at home as well.

Since 4G and 5G availability is improving in rural areas, you can use a mobile broadband connection to get fast internet speeds. However, this internet connection can get very expensive if you use it regularly. Additionally, many mobile broadband plans have strict data caps that limit the amount of data you can transmit.

Fiber optic

Fiber optic internet is one of the fastest connection types available today. It uses cables made of strands of glass or plastic fibers that transmit data as light signals, enabling extremely fast speeds. While often installed underground, these cables can also be placed in other configurations depending on the infrastructure.

Currently, fiber optic internet is limited in rural areas. Even if providers in your area offer fiber optic service, installation costs can be expensive if they’re not subsidized because they often require new cable tunnels.

However, if fiber optic service is available in your area, it may be worth the investment. The reliability and speeds are unmatched, which is particularly beneficial if you work from home and need to make frequent video calls.

Broadband over power lines (BPL)

This type of internet infrastructure uses power lines to transmit data by modulating signals onto a higher frequency spectrum than typical electrical currents. It provides high-speed internet accessibility to those who would not typically be able to use it by utilizing the electrical wiring as a carrier.

BPL internet uses existing power line infrastructure, making it an efficient way to get internet to rural areas. To use it, you just need to plug a power line modem into an electrical outlet.

However, few ISPs offer this type of internet coverage yet, so availability is limited. Additionally, this type of internet coverage is subject to interference from professional radio communication services that use the same frequencies. This interference could slow down your internet connection.

Community networks

Community broadband networks are publicly owned internet providers. They operate like local utilities and run with input from area residents. Local non-profits often partner with private technology companies to bring these networks to life.

Community broadband initiatives have become very popular in rural communities that are often ignored by major internet service providers. These networks can be adjusted to fit the community’s needs and preferences. Subscription costs are normally kept very low to ensure all local residents can access the internet.

While setting up a community broadband network requires initiative and organization among local residents, it can have a huge long-term payoff. Investing in community broadband helps locals access remote jobs and education and stay connected to the world around them.

If your community has its own broadband network, this may be the easiest and most efficient way to get internet in a rural area. However, some of these networks may have limited resources. This means that speeds may be slower than some other internet options. Additionally, outages may take longer to fix.

Satellite phone internet

Some modern satellite phones come with internet access. No matter how remote you are, you can use these satellite phones to access the internet. If you live in an area that is very far from any nearby cities or towns, you may want to keep an internet-connected satellite phone on hand for emergencies, even if you don’t use it regularly. This way, you can still get in touch with others even if there is no phone service available.

However, satellite phones are very expensive and are not suitable for regular data use. Internet connections on satellite phones can also be very slow, so they’re not ideal for things like video chat or gaming.

Municipal broadband

Municipal broadband networks work similarly to community networks. However, instead of being run by local non-profits or community groups, they are run by local government entities. Many rural towns have invested in municipal broadband networks to ensure that local residents can access the internet connections they need for work, school, and general quality of life.

These broadband networks aren’t available everywhere yet, so they may not be an option for all rural consumers. However, if you do have a local broadband network, this will likely be one of the most affordable and efficient ways to get an internet connection.

Fees are typically kept very low, and some communities even offer subsidies for low-income residents. Additionally, many municipal broadband networks offer excellent customer service and reinvest in local communities.

Internet through TV white space (TVWS)

TVWS is a technology that taps into unused TV channels to provide broadband internet. Broadcasters typically don’t use all the available TV bandwidth. TVWS takes advantage of these unused channels to deliver internet to those who might not usually be able to access it.

The benefit of using TVWS is that TV infrastructure is already available in many rural areas, so it’s relatively easy to install. Additionally, one TV channel can cover a very large area, so this is an efficient way to deliver internet to many rural residents at once. TVWS technology delivers a reliable internet connection, particularly in areas where rough terrain would block other types of internet signals.

TVWS is a very new technology, so it is not available everywhere. Additionally, some potential regulatory challenges could limit this technology’s use in the future. In the US, TV bandwidth is regulated by the FCC, and strict rules are in place for TVWS to prevent malicious interference. These regulations have limited the adoption of TVWS in some parts of the US. Government entities in many other countries have similar regulations, so TVWS is not always accessible globally.

How to get higher speed internet in rural areas

The internet in rural areas is often slower than in a major city. When you rely on the internet for work, school, communication, or entertainment, slow internet can be a major challenge. However, you can adjust your internet setup to get faster speeds, regardless of where you live.

Upgrade or move your router

One of the easiest ways to get higher speeds is to move your router closer to the areas where you use your devices. For example, if you primarily use your computer in the living room, place the router there instead of in your office. Place the router as high off the ground as possible, away from large appliances or other objects that could obstruct the signal.

If you’ve moved your router and it still isn’t providing the speeds you want, consider upgrading to a newer model that provides a more powerful signal. Additionally, install firmware updates for your router when the manufacturer releases them. These updates address problems that could interfere with performance.

Use a signal booster

A signal booster is a device that amplifies cell phone coverage in areas with limited service. While signal boosters are primarily designed to improve cell phone service, you can also use them to improve your internet connectivity. Look for a signal booster that is specifically designed to work with Wi-Fi.

Use an Ethernet cable

If your Wi-Fi signal around the house is weak, try plugging into your router or modem with an Ethernet cable instead. An Ethernet cable connects your device directly to the network, resulting in much faster speeds. However, you will need to sit near your router to do this.

Set up multiple networks

When multiple people are using the same Wi-Fi network simultaneously, it can slow down your speeds, especially if you’re both participating in high-bandwidth activities. To ensure you all have the needed speeds, try setting up multiple networks. For example, you can use one network for work and another for entertainment so everyone can use the internet equally, without interference.

FAQ

How do I get Wi-Fi in remote areas?

DSL and fixed wireless internet are popular choices for customers living in remote areas. For areas that do not have the infrastructure to support these types of connections, satellite internet is a popular alternative.

How can I get internet in remote areas without cell service?

If you live in an area without cell phone service, you can use satellite services to access the internet. With these services, the connection is transmitted from a satellite in space, so it works equally well in remote environments as it does in big cities.

Why is getting internet in rural areas so hard?

It is difficult to get internet in rural areas because these areas don’t always have the necessary infrastructure. This means that internet service providers would need to dig new trenches and lay down new cables to offer service. Many providers aren’t willing to install new infrastructure in these places because of the added cost.

How can I get internet without a cable or phone line?

If you don’t have a cable or phone line, you can connect to the internet using a 4G or 5G mobile hotspot or a satellite phone. Some rural areas also have fixed internet services, which transmit data using radio waves.

Which type of internet connection is best for rural areas?

Satellite internet and fixed internet are often considered the best choices for rural areas because they don’t require the installation of internet cables.

How can I get internet when there is no service?

If you don’t have any cell phone service, satellite services are often the best way to access the internet. If you’re traveling and don’t have cell phone service, look for public Wi-Fi networks or mobile hotspots to which you can connect. Places like coffee shops, libraries, malls, and airports often have free public Wi-Fi.

Is Starlink better than HughesNet?

Starlink and HughesNet are both popular choices for satellite internet. Starlink generally offers faster speeds than HughesNet. However, HughesNet offers more affordable monthly prices.