Rural internet service providers

Satellite internet is a great option for rural-area residents because it’s available virtually anywhere. All you need is a clear view of the southern sky to be eligible for satellite internet from HughesNet or Viasat. Internet speeds can range from 12 to 100 Mbps.

Pros and cons of satellite internet

• Availability – Satellite internet is available throughout all 50 states.
• Speeds – Satellite internet can get you broadband speeds.

• Data restrictions – HughesNet and Viasat plans come with monthly data restrictions that could result in slower speeds if you go over them.

Unlike cable or fiber-optic internet, DSL uses existing phone lines to carry internet service. If you have telephone lines to your house, you might have access to DSL internet from rural internet service providers such as AT&T, CenturyLink or Windstream. Internet speeds can range from 1 to 100 Mbps.

Pros and cons of DSL internet

• Pricing – DSL internet plans are often among the cheapest rural internet services.
• Data limits – DSL providers often give you higher monthly data limits than what you’ll get with satellite internet.

• Speeds – DSL speeds may be as low as 1 Mbps, and the further away you are from your service provider, the slower your connection may be.

Fixed wireless internet works like satellite internet in that you have a dish or antenna to receive internet signals. You’ll need to live close to a cellular tower to get fixed internet from rural internet providers such as Rise Broadband, AT&T, Verizon or others. Internet speeds can range from 1 to 50 Mbps.

Pros and cons of fixed wireless internet

• Availability – Fixed wireless internet is available in all 50 states from various providers.
• Latency – Unlike satellite internet, fixed wireless has lower latency, which makes it a viable option for online gaming.

• Signal interference – Bad weather or obstructions blocking your antenna can disrupt your connection.

Yes, dial-up is still around, and it’s a decent internet option for those in rural areas needing the internet for little more than checking email. You’ll need a home telephone line and likely a compatible modem for service from Net Zero, AOL Online or other dial-up providers. Internet speeds top out at 56 kbps.

Pros and cons of dial-up internet

• Pricing – Dial-up internet is a cheap rural internet option, with some providers offering service for free or under $10/mo.
• Availability – Dial-up is available to virtually any home with a landline phone connection.

• Speeds – Dial-up speeds are likely the slowest you’ll find from any connection type, with max speeds around 56 kbps.

• Satellite internet – Best for internet availability
• DSL – Best for high data allowances
• Fixed wireless – Best for low latency
• Dial-up – Best for cheap internet

Satellite, DSL and fixed wireless connections are popular in rural areas. Satellite internet is one of the best choices for broadband internet in rural areas, while DSL is a great option for higher monthly data allowances.

Both fixed wireless and satellite internet are good choices for internet service in rural areas. Fixed wireless internet has lower latency than satellite internet because the wireless signals travel a shorter distance. Satellite internet, however, is generally better than fixed wireless because it can offer fast speeds and a more reliable connection.

Satellite internet can deliver broadband speeds (up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload), making it a great option for rural residents wanting a fast internet connection for streaming, downloading music and more. Satellite internet is not an ideal connection for online gaming, though, due to its high latency.

Adjust or reset your router – Wi-Fi router placement can affect the speeds you get on your devices. Place your router in a central location in your home, clear of obstructions that could block Wi-Fi signals. Reset your router if you are suddenly experiencing slower speeds.

Switch rural internet providers – If you have dial-up or DSL internet service, satellite or fixed wireless providers could offer faster speeds. Of the rural internet options, satellite and fixed wireless internet providers are likely to offer the fastest speeds.