Best Internet Services for Rural Areas in 2022

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Broadband internet services are widely available in most US urban and suburban areas. One of the reasons for the easy access is because urban areas are fitted with the infrastructure necessary to offer broadband internet services. However, rural areas are having a tough time gaining access to fast internet connections. This means fewer households, businesses, and schools in rural areas can take advantage of broadband connections. 

Today, a reliable and high-speed connection is important for everyone. Many of us rely on it for our work, studies, and even some chores. To help rural households find secure and high-speed internet connections, we have created a guide for you to browse. 

How to Find the Right Rural Internet Providers for You

Rural households don’t have access to all the options that urban households have. But, how can you decide which connection is right for you? Ask yourself the following questions when you are making this important decision. 

  • Which service do internet service providers offer?
  • Which internet connections are available to you?
  • How fast is your chosen internet connection?
  • How many devices can connect to the service?
  • What is the monthly cost for the connection? You can browse through the AT&T internet prices to find the one most suitable for you.
  • What activities do you normally engage in? This will help you decide how fast a connection you need.
  • What is the reputation of the internet service provider in rural areas?
  • Can you access the internet service provider’s customer service department at any time?

These are important questions to help you make a well-informed decision. 

What Is a Rural Internet Provider?

A rural internet provider is an internet service provider that provides internet connections to households in rural communities. They differ from other service providers because they offer services aimed at rural households. 

Rural communities can get access to the internet through dial-up and satellite connections. However, these are not always fast. Rural areas need access to broadband connections, which are available through DSL, fiber, and cable connections. Below we have explained each connection to help you better understand the options. 

Satellite Connection

Satellite connections are one of the fastest internet networks offered by providers in rural areas. At one time, the satellite was too slow and expensive to afford, but advancements have made significant improvements to both cost and speed. 

You can access a satellite internet connection anywhere in the country, with the help of a small satellite dish. This dish is installed at your property and connects to the satellite in space. Satellite internet is always on and offers speeds ten times faster than dial-up. 

Dial-up Connection

Dial-up connections make use of existing telephone lines to establish internet connections. With the help of a modem, the ISP can reroute your connection through the phone line. 

It is one of the most affordable internet connections available to households. By making use of the existing phone lines, the providers have to charge only a small amount to enable the internet connection. 

Despite its availability, it has various disadvantages. The connection can take some time to establish, whenever you want to access the internet. Your phone line cannot be used at the same time. The dial-up connections are very slow, offering speeds less than 1Mbps. In addition, you are charged for the duration of your use. 

DSL

A Digital Subscriber Line, or DSL, uses phone lines to offer internet connections to households. However, you can use your phone with a DSL, as the internet transmits signals on another frequency. This helps you use both services at the same time. 

You can keep the connection on at all times. This connection is affordable because it makes use of the existing phone lines to offer internet connections to households. Unfortunately, DSL is not available in all rural areas. If you use the phone at all times, your internet connection may be adversely affected. In addition, the upload speeds are very slow, which makes it very hard to hold video conferences or upload content online. The farther away you are from the provider, the slower your internet connection is. 

Mobile Broadband

Cellular broadband is a wireless connection delivered with the help of cellular towers to digital devices. The signals are transmitted from the towers to the portable modems, which transmit these signals to other devices. 

With the emergence of 5G networks, mobile broadband has gotten speedier and much more reliable. You can find plans from some providers with unlimited data. However, in some locations, this connection can be spotty. In addition, the connection causes your mobile to use up its battery a lot faster. 

Fixed Wireless Internet

Fixed wireless internet is another connection that is available in underserved areas. High-speed internet signals are transmitted from the main-access points and to the receivers installed in the households. This quick and reliable service is affordable and also available in AT&T bundles

In Summary

Rural areas have access to limited internet connections from which you can choose. Once you know which connection is available in your area, you should be able to select the best connection for you!