Best rural internet providers
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Edited By
Last updated: August 28, 2025
Satellite internet is available to 99% of rural households in the U.S. 5G fixed wireless and DSL are also rural internet options. Our experts share top picks for the fastest rural internet providers below.
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Top rural internet providers near you
VERIZON: Price guarantee for 3-5 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. 5G Home plan at $35/mo., 5G Home Plus plan at $45/mo. or 5G Home Ultimate plan at $60/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Mobile + Home Discount: $15/mo savings on Verizon Home Internet plans when combined with any Verizon postpaid mobile phone plan (excludes business and data-only plans). Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. © 2025 Verizon. Updated as of 08/28/25.
Key takeaways
- Top rural internet providers include Hughesnet, Verizon 5G, Starlink, T-Mobile 5G and CenturyLink
- Satellite providers Hughesnet, Starlink, and Viasat cover nearly 100% of the country
- Budget shoppers can bundle internet and a mobile line with Verizon or 5G for a discounted monthly bill
What fast internet options are available in rural areas?
Rural internet is not known for having fast internet speeds, but satellite providers can provide up to 150 Mbps and 5G home internet speeds can reach 400+ Mbps.
Satellite internet is often one of the only connection types available for rural customers but can be more expensive than other alternatives. If you are near a Verizon or T-Mobile cell tower, you can access their 5G home internet plans, which are faster than satellite options.
Internet service is based on your address, so even if your neighbor has access to a certain provider, you may not. When you are considering moving to a new rural home, double-check that there are available options. Start your internet search by entering your address to find out what options are available to you.
Enter your ZIP code to view internet plans available near you
Plans starting at
$39.99 /mo.
Speeds up to
100 Mbps
Overview
Hughesnet is a solid choice for a rural internet provider due to its availability. With its Fusion plan, Hughesnet also has less latency than other satellite providers.
Hughesnet Customer Reviews:
Plans starting at
$35.00 /mo.
Speeds up to
1,000 Mbps
Overview
Verizon offers three 5G plans: 5G Home, 5G Home Plus and 5G Home Ultimate. You’ll get a discount if you have a Verizon cellphone plan, with plans ranging from $35.00 to $60.00/mo.
Verizon 5G Customer Reviews:
Plans starting at
$35.00 /mo.
Speeds up to
415 Mbps
Overview
T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet service is one of the most affordable internet plans available starting at just $35/mo. with AutoPay, with taxes included.
T-Mobile Customer Reviews:
Plans starting at
$50.00 /mo.
Speeds up to
940 Mbps
Overview
CenturyLink internet offers simple pricing and added features such as unlimited data and free self-installation with select plans. It also has options for rural internet like DSL.
CenturyLink Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
2.40 / 5
Starlink: Best for travelers
Starlink internet is the most promising option for high-speed satellite internet in rural areas. It is also a service you can take on the road. There are no contracts and speeds can reach up to 500 Mbps. Although Starlink is one of the fastest internet services available in rural America, it doesn’t come cheap, with pricing starting at $80/mo.
What we like about Starlink
- Fast speed – Download speeds can reach 50 to 500 Mbps and the latency of Starlink satellites is much lower than other providers because they are in low orbit
Things to consider about Starlink
- High setup costs – Pricey starting costs at $175 to set up, with $50 in shipping added. Prices can vary for shipping, depending on location
- Satellite and weather – This service will be open to weather-related disruptions
| Starting price | Download speed range | Data caps |
|---|---|---|
| $80.00 – $5,000.00/mo.* | 50 – 500 Mbps | 1 TB |
*Prices without Autopay and Paperless Billing. Per month for 12 mos. One-year agreement, early termination fee, and one-time charge apply. Max speeds are wired. Wi-Fi, actual & average speeds vary. Updated as of 08/28/25.
Learn more about Starlink internet
How we evaluated rural ISPs
Additional rural internet providers
Additional rural ISPs: Pricing and speeds
| Providers | Starting price* | Download speed range |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Air Internet | $60.00/mo. | 90 – 300 Mbps |
| Nomad Internet | $99.95/mo. | Varies |
| Viasat | $99.99/mo. | 25 – 150 Mbps |
*Only available in select areas. Visit buy.viasat.com to check plans available in your area. If your data usage is trending to exceed the “typical usage” of a residential user on our network, you may have reduced priority during times of network congestion resulting in slower speeds. Typical usage currently means usage trending to not exceed 850 GBs in any 30-day period. The typical usage amount will vary based on network demands. Please visit www.viasat.com/legal for more details. Speeds are “up to,” are not guaranteed and will vary. Viasat Unleashed does not require an annual contract, which means there is no minimum service term commitment You will have a month-to-month service term, which you may cancel at any time without an early termination fee. Updated as of 08/28/25.
Rural internet FAQs
What internet works best in rural areas?
Satellite internet is the best option for those living in rural areas because of its widespread availability. While it’s known for its slow connection, some providers like Starlink and Hughesnet are providing faster speeds than other satellite providers. Fixed wireless is also a great option if it’s available near you.
Is fixed wireless internet better than satellite?
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.
Can I get internet for gaming in rural areas?
Yes. You will want to choose an ISP that offers at least 25 Mbps and has as low latency as possible. Starlink internet is likely the best option available for rural areas.
How can I get Wi-Fi in rural areas?
You can get Wi-Fi in rural areas by subscribing to an internet provider available in your area or using public or mobile hotspots.
What should I do if there is no internet available near me?
If you live in an area without any internet options, you most likely will need to go to a place with internet available, like a school, community center, library or storefronts like coffee shops.
Can rural residents get assistance with internet bills?
Rural residents may be able to get help with internet bills from providers, if they qualify for the offered low-income plans. The state or municipality may also have incentives or help. There are some federal avenues for help with internet bills as well.
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Written by
Robin Layton
Senior Editor, Broadband Content
Robin Layton is a Senior Editor for Allconnect, dedicated to helping consumers navigate the often-co… View profile
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