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Internet options for rural areas
For many people who live in rural areas, getting access to reliable broadband internet is a challenge. Let’s look at why it’s so critical to find a dependable rural broadband provider, as well as some common options for internet in rural areas.
Why is internet for rural areas so important?
Broadband access is the backbone of business, education, and technology today. Some of the types of opportunities that make it so vital to have robust internet for rural areas include:
- Educational opportunities, including online classes and certifications
- Working from home or running a business online
- Maintaining strong social connections with family and friends
- Telehealth options from yearly checkups to mental health care
- Everyday conveniences like online bill pay and grocery pickup
Unfortunately, many rural areas don’t yet have the cable and fiber-optic infrastructure that supports high-speed broadband access for most people. This “digital infrastructure gap” makes it harder for people who live in rural areas to access important opportunities.
Understanding internet options for rural areas
Each type of internet listed below uses a different technology to get you connected. Depending on the population and location of your community, you might have one or more of the following internet connections types available.
DSL
DSL uses a different frequency of phone lines to deliver "always-on" or broadband internet. Because DSL only requires existing phone lines, it’s one of the most commonly available types of internet in rural areas.
- Pros
- Widely available
- Lower price point
- Consistent service
- Plenty of speed for basic internet tasks like bills and job applications
- Cons
- Slower speeds than cable or fiber
- Can be vulnerable to outages from weather
Satellite
Satellite internet creates a link between a communications satellite and a receiver device on your property to provide you with internet connectivity. It’s an option in areas where broadband infrastructure is extremely limited, but comes with tradeoffs in speed and reliability.
- Pros
- Available nearly everywhere
- Simple to install and doesn’t rely on phone or cable infrastructure
- Solid performance for everyday browsing needs
- Cons
- Highly vulnerable to disruption from rain or snow
- Slow upload speeds and high lag may not allow gaming or video calls
- Data caps and throttling are common
Fixed wireless
Fixed wireless, or antenna-based internet, uses a special router that receives 4G mobile internet signals and creates a home wireless network that you can connect your devices to.
- Pros
- Faster speeds and lower latency than DSL or satellite
- Quick, simple installation without the need to install new lines
- Flexible setup that can easily be moved or upgraded
- Cons
- Only available for properties close enough to cell towers
- May experience interference from trees, hills, and buildings
- Data caps often apply after a certain usage level
How to evaluate your best option for rural internet
When you’re looking at your options for rural internet, keep the following factors in mind to help you find an ISP and service package that works for you:
Availability
Talk to an ISP customer service representative to verify that internet service is available at your specific location. It’s also important to choose an ISP with consistent service and low downtime in your area; check online reviews and customer testimonials to learn about local customers’ experience, or ask people you know in the area.
Pricing
The price point for internet in a rural area is mostly determined by which technologies are available. Compare prices from your local ISPs, and be sure you understand the balance of price and performance that each option offers.
Speed
The FCC officially recommends the following download speeds for these common internet use cases:
- General browsing, email, streaming music: 10 Mbps
- HD video calling: 15 Mbps
- Remote work or education: 20 Mbps
- Online multiplayer gaming: 20 Mbps
- Ultra HD 4K streaming: 60 Mbps
See “What internet speed do I need?” for more details, including recommended speeds for households with more devices. Pay attention to upload speeds, too, since these are often slower than download speeds unless you have a fiber-optic internet connection.
Rural internet FAQs
The answer depends on your location. In some areas, DSL may provide the fastest and most reliable option, while in other areas you may only have access to fixed wireless or satellite internet. Start by searching online for "internet service near me" and doing some research on your available options to compare speed, reliability and price.
If you have access to fixed internet in your area, it’s typically a better choice than satellite. Fixed wireless internet typically offers faster speeds and lower latency compared to satellite internet.
Cost and infrastructure challenges both make it hard for ISPs to build out broadband networks in rural areas. The low population density of rural areas means there are fewer customers to divide the cost of building infrastructure, and the geography of some rural areas can make the process itself more difficult and expensive. Brightspeed is continually expanding its rural network and bringing high-speed internet, including fiber-optic connections, to families and businesses in rural America.
Double check what internet connection types are available to you and think about upgrading if you find a faster option. You can also check your current internet speed for free, then use our guide to improve your Wi-Fi signal strength with practical tips.
Why is Brightspeed a good internet option for rural areas?
Brightspeed is proud to serve our rural customers with a fast broadband network that provides high-performance internet where many other ISPs don’t. Take a few seconds and find out if Brightspeed is available in your area:
See what internet speeds are available in your neighborhood
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