High-speed internet in rural areas has become a pivotal cornerstone for bridging the digital divide between urban and countryside regions. Historically, rural communities have faced challenges in accessing reliable and fast internet due to infrastructural and economic constraints. However, with advancements in technology and increased focus on digital inclusivity, a range of providers now offer solutions tailored for these areas. From satellite connections to fixed wireless and emerging 5G networks, rural residents are gaining access to speeds that support modern digital activities. This evolution not only enhances daily life but also opens doors for economic growth, education, and healthcare in these communities.
Why is The Best Each Providers
- Viasat – Another top satellite option.
- HughesNet – Best for satellite internet value.
- CenturyLink – Best overall rural provider.
- Kinetic by Windstream – Fast DSL in rural areas.
- Mediacom – Best rural cable internet.
- Rise Broadband – Top rural fixed wireless ISP.
- Ziply Fiber – Fastest rural internet speeds.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet – Best rural 5G provider.
- AT&T – Offers 4G networks and supports education.
- Verizon – Invests in 4G LTE home internet.
- Xfinity – Best Overall
The 11 Best High-Speed Internet Plans For Rural Areas
| Providers | Connection type | Speed range | Bandwidth | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viasat | Satellite | 12 – 150Mbps | Not specified | $50 – $300 per month |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 25Mbps | No hard data cap | $50 – $150 per month |
| Verizon | 5G/LTE | 25 – 50Mbps | Unlimited | $40 – $60 per month |
| CenturyLink | Fiber | 200 – 940Mbps | Unlimited data | $30 – $70 per month |
| Kinetic by Windstream | DSL | 100 – 1,000Mbps | Unlimited data | $40 – $70 per month |
| Mediacom | Cable | Not specified | Up to 6TB monthly data | $25 – $80 per month |
| Rise Broadband | Fixed wireless | 25 – 50Mbps | Unlimited data on some plans | $45 – $65 per month |
| Ziply Fiber | Fiber | 100 – 10,000Mbps | Unlimited data | $40 – $300 per month |
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 72 – 245Mbps | Unlimited data | $50 per month |
| AT&T | 5G/LTE/Fiber | 300 – 1 GIG | Not specified | $35 – $60 per month |
| Xfinity | Cable and Fiber | 50 – 1200 Mbps | Not specified | $35.00 per month |
1. Viasat
Viasat stands as a notable satellite internet option for those in rural areas. While many associate satellite internet with slower speeds, Viasat offers a variety of plans, some of which boast impressive speeds. However, potential subscribers should be aware of the pricing structure, which can change after an initial period.
Key Features
- Speeds from 12Mbps to 150Mbps
- Satellite-based service
- Nationwide coverage
- Post-introductory price adjustments
Pricing
- Starting at $70/month for 12Mbps
- Additional equipment fee: $13/month
- Price increases after three months: Can add $30, $50, or $100 to the monthly bill, based on the plan
Pros
- Nationwide availability
- Varied speed options
- Satellite connectivity
Cons
- Slower than HughesNet
- Post-introductory price hike
2. HughesNet
HughesNet offers satellite internet service, providing a valuable solution for those in areas where other forms of broadband might not be available. While satellite internet has its limitations, HughesNet aims to provide consistent and reliable service. The company offers a range of plans to cater to different needs, ensuring that users can find a package that suits their internet consumption habits.
Key Features
- Speeds up to 25Mbps
- Satellite-based connection
- No hard data cap
- Nationwide availability
Pricing
- $50 per month for 25Mbps with 15GB of data
- Higher-tier plans range from $50 to $150 per month
Pros
- Consistent 25Mbps speed
- Nationwide coverage
- No hard data cap
Cons
- Satellite latency
- Limited data on some plans
3. CenturyLink
CenturyLink, recognized as the best rural internet provider overall, offers extensive coverage across 36 states, primarily spanning suburban and rural areas. While a significant portion of their coverage comes from their DSL network, they also provide a fiber service known as Quantum Fiber in select areas. This fiber service offers impressive speeds, making it a desirable option for those in its coverage area.
Key Features
- Speeds ranging from 200Mbps to 940Mbps
- Fiber and DSL connectivity options
- Unlimited data offerings
- No contractual obligations
- Equipment included with the gigabit tier
Pricing
- DSL service starting at $50 per month
- Quantum Fiber options:
- 100 or 200Mbps starting at $30 per month
- Gigabit service starting at $70 per month
Pros
- Extensive coverage
- High-speed fiber options
- No contracts
Cons
- DSL speeds vary
- Limited fiber availability
4. Kinetic by Windstream
Kinetic by Windstream offers a blend of DSL and fiber-optic internet services, ensuring that rural customers have access to high-speed internet. With a presence in over 18 states, Kinetic focuses on delivering consistent and reliable internet solutions, especially in areas where options might be limited.
Key Features
- Speeds ranging from 25Mbps to 1,000Mbps
- Combination of DSL and fiber-optic services
- Equipment options available for enhanced connectivity
- No mandatory long-term contracts
Pricing
- Plans starting at $40 per month for 25Mbps
- Higher-tier plans can range up to $70 per month for gigabit speeds
Pros
- Wide speed range
- Fiber options available
- No long-term contracts
Cons
- Limited fiber coverage
- Speeds may vary by location
5. Mediacom
Mediacom stands out as a top choice for cable internet in rural areas. Though its reach is more limited compared to other providers, it offers faster and more reliable speeds than DSL, satellite, or fixed wireless services. Serving areas across the Midwest, South, parts of California, and Delaware, Mediacom provides a blend of affordability and performance, especially for those in rural regions.
Key Features
- Cable internet connectivity
- Monthly data allowances up to 6TB
- Low introductory rates
- No contractual obligations
Pricing
- Service starts at $25 per month
- Prices can range up to $80 per month based on the chosen plan
Pros
- Fast cable speeds
- Affordable starting rates
- No contracts
Cons
- Limited coverage area
- Data limits on some plans
6. Rise Broadband
Rise Broadband is a fixed wireless service provider that offers internet solutions primarily in rural and suburban areas. By leveraging antenna towers, Rise Broadband can cover large areas without the need for physical cables, making it a suitable choice for regions where traditional broadband options might be limited.
Key Features
- Fixed wireless connectivity
- Speeds typically around 25Mbps
- Wide coverage in rural areas
- No need for phone or cable lines
Pricing
- Service starts at $40 per month
- Prices can vary based on location and chosen plan
Pros
- Wide rural coverage
- No cable lines required
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Speeds vary by location
- Limited higher-speed options
7. Ziply Fiber
Ziply Fiber stands out with its multigigabit internet speeds, offering unparalleled connectivity even in select rural areas throughout the Northwest. While their fastest plan might seem excessive for some, Ziply Fiber ensures that customers have a range of options, balancing speed with affordability.
Key Features
- Speeds ranging from 100Mbps to a staggering 10,000Mbps
- Fiber-optic connectivity
- Unlimited data offerings
- No contractual obligations
Pricing
- Entry-level plan: $40 per month for symmetrical speeds up to 100Mbps
- 300Mbps speed tier: Starting at $60 per month
- Multigigabit plans: Up to $300 per month for 10Gbps
Pros
- Ultra-fast speeds
- Affordable entry-level plans
- No contracts
Cons
- Limited fiber coverage
- DSL speeds may vary
8. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is an emerging solution for those in rural areas, leveraging the power of 5G technology to provide home internet connectivity. With coverage spanning 40 states and reaching 30 million homes, T-Mobile’s 5G service is especially beneficial for rural areas where traditional broadband might be limited.
Key Features
- 5G-based home internet
- Speeds ranging from 72-245Mbps
- No data caps or contracts
- Equipment included at no additional cost
Pricing: $50 per month (or $30 for eligible mobile customers)
Pros
- Wide 5G coverage
- No data caps
- Equipment included
Cons
- Speeds can vary
- Occasional fallback to 4G LTE
9. AT&T
AT&T Wireless Internet is a viable option for those in areas with limited traditional broadband options but decent cellular coverage. Leveraging its vast cellular network, AT&T provides a wireless internet solution that can be especially beneficial for rural areas.
Key Features
- Wireless internet connectivity
- Average speeds around 25 Mbps
- Data cap of 350 GB per month
- Bundle options available for added savings
Pricing: $59.99 per month (discounts may apply with bundled services)
Pros
- Wide coverage area
- Bundle savings available
- Reliable AT&T network
Cons
- Data cap restrictions
- Slower than some competitors
10. Verizon
Verizon offers internet service to rural areas using its 4G LTE network. This connection utilizes the same cellular network Verizon employs for phone service. The distinction is that 4G LTE home internet is designed to cater to an entire household, providing a more reliable and faster connection than merely using a phone as a hotspot. If you can receive cell reception, you can access internet service, making it a viable alternative to satellite internet in rural areas. Verizon’s 4G LTE home internet plans are generally more affordable and come with higher data caps or unlimited data, making them more suitable for household needs.
Key Features
- Uses 4G LTE network
- Suitable for entire households
- Reliable connection
- Alternative to satellite internet
Pricing: Starting at $40 a month for Verizon mobile customers.
Pros
- Reliable connection
- Suitable for households
- Alternative to satellite
Cons
- Requires cell reception
- Limited to 4G LTE coverage
11. Xfinity
Xfinity, a product of Comcast, is known for its high-speed internet services. While it primarily serves urban and suburban areas, it also extends its services to some rural regions. Xfinity offers a range of speeds, with some plans reaching up to 3 GB, making it a competitive choice for those seeking fast internet in less densely populated areas.
Key Features
- Speeds of up to 3 GB available
- Cable internet connectivity
- Wide coverage in 40 states
- Range of plans to suit different needs
Pricing
- Plans start at $20 a month for 50 Mbps download speeds
- Prices can range up to $300 a month for 3 GB download speed
Pros
- High-speed options
- Wide state coverage
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Cable speeds may decline in distant rural areas
- Annual contract requirement
How to Improve Your Rural Internet Speeds
- Understand Connection Types: Different connections like DSL, 5G, cable, and fiber-optic have varying speeds and reliability.
- Check Service Points: The distance from your home to the ISP service points can affect signal strength. Closer proximity usually means faster speeds.
- Determine Speed Needs: For activities like video conferencing, speeds greater than 25 Mbps might be necessary. Ensure your plan meets your speed requirements.
- Consider Fiber: If available, fiber-optic connections offer the fastest speeds.
- Maintain Cable Health: For cable internet, ensure the cables are in good condition.
- Optimize Satellite Positioning: For satellite internet, ensure there’s clear exposure to the sky for the best connection.
- Consider 5G: If available, 5G can offer high speeds even during peak times.
- Evaluate DSL: Ensure the DSL connection is stable and meets your speed needs.
- Upgrade Equipment: Sometimes, simply upgrading your router or modem can boost performance.
- Limit Data Usage: Some plans have data caps, so monitor your usage to avoid throttling.
Factors to When Choosing the Best Internet for Rural Areas
- Lowest Price Plan: Consider the most affordable plans available.
- Customer Ratings: Look at the feedback and ratings from existing customers.
- Customer Support Options: Evaluate the support and service options provided.
- Coverage: Check the number of states or areas the provider covers.
- Data Plans: Determine if unlimited data plans are available.
- Download Speeds: Analyze the maximum download speeds offered.
- Connection Type: Understand the type of connection (e.g., fiber, cable, DSL, satellite).
- Availability: Consider the overall availability of the service in your area.
- Installation Process: Decide between self-installation or professional installation.
- Special Programs: Look for special programs or discounts, such as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or Lifeline.
Conclusion
Access to high-speed internet in rural areas has transformed the way residents connect, work, and learn. While urban centers often benefit from the latest technological advancements, rural regions have historically faced challenges in obtaining reliable internet. However, with the emergence of diverse providers and innovative solutions like satellite, 5G, and fiber-optic connections, the digital divide is narrowing. Rural dwellers now have more choices than ever, ensuring they aren’t left behind in the digital age. It’s essential to research and choose the right provider, ensuring optimal speeds and reliability for one’s unique needs. The future looks promising for rural internet connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest rural area internet?
Starlink and Viasat are among the fastest options for rural areas. While Viasat offers more dependable speeds, it tends to be pricier than other options.
What kind of internet is best for rural areas?
Fiber internet is the top choice for rural areas when available. If fiber isn't an option, cable and DSL are next in line in terms of performance. However, satellite internet is widely available in rural regions.
How can I get high-speed Internet in the middle of nowhere?
DSL is a prevalent option for rural areas, offering speeds up to 140 Mbps. It covers approximately 88% of the U.S., with prices ranging from $27.99 to $69.99.
How can I get wifi without an internet provider?
You can access Wi-Fi without an internet provider by using mobile hotspots, tethering your smartphone, or finding public Wi-Fi locations like libraries, cafes, or community centers.
Is Satellite Internet Fast?
Satellite internet speeds can range from 12 Mbps to 140 Mbps. While it's faster than some alternatives, it doesn't match the speeds of fiber optics found in urban settings.
