The city life isn’t for everyone – despite all the convenience, glamor, and next-generation facilities it offers. Living in a rural or remote area that’s sparsely populated may sound like a dream until you’re deprived of modern life essentials like high-speed internet.
When looking up rural internet providers, you’re bound to notice that Satellite Internet and 5G Home Internet are most frequently suggested. Typically, satellite internet is said to be the best internet for rural areas because of its wide accessibility.
Even though finding a wired internet connection in a rural settlement can be challenging, it’s not impossible anymore. Many and fiber internet providers are expanding their network to rural regions, so let’s explore your best.
Criteria to Compare Internet Providers in Rural Areas
Do you see a couple of promising rural internet options before you? In case you’re wondering how to choose one, I suggest you start by comparing their features and determine what’s best for your home.
You can simplify the decision-making process by looking into criteria that matter:
Coverage and Availability
An ISP’s coverage in your area is the first thing to get out of the way. In any case, you cannot obtain an internet connection if the service provider doesn’t operate where you live. You want quick and easy access to your desired facility.
Reliability and Performance
Consistency is the key; an internet connection that is highly prone to interruption or interference cannot be trusted. Nobody wants patchy Wi-Fi, constant disconnections, and recurrent outages. You need an internet service you can count on; occasional or minor irregularities are an exception.
Speed and Data Allowance
What download and upload speed are you aiming for? How many people and devices share your home network? The day-to-day online activities in your household define your speed and data needs. Any ISP that doesn’t impose data caps has an obvious advantage.
Pricing and Contract Flexibility
Most of us want a budget-friendly internet service. There’s no point in considering an option you can’t afford, right? Some ISPs require customers to enter a term contract, which isn’t agreeable if you don’t want to pay a lumpsum amount upfront.
Customer Service
No technology is 100% failsafe. Sooner or later, you may run into connectivity or performance issues that require technical assistance. ISPs with good customer service/support are proactive in handling customer complaints and queries.
Top Rural Internet Providers
Finding a good internet service in big cities is relatively easy. Limited internet coverage in rural areas mainly has to do with the small number of occupants. Typically, ISPs do not bring their business to underpopulated areas because building the network infrastructure is expensive and the potential return on investment (ROI) is low.
Nonetheless, several ISPs are expanding their network to rural regions, so acquiring a decent internet connection isn’t too difficult anymore. Here’s a list of the best rural internet providers to choose from:
1. HughesNet
Let’s start with HughesNet, as it is accessible in the most remote areas of the country. When satellite internet is the only viable internet option in your area, you can rely on this service.
👍 Things We Like:
- Widespread availability
- Consistent Speeds
- Flexible Data Options
👎 Things to Consider:
- Contract and early service termination fees apply
- Expensive equipment
2. Verizon 5G Home Internet
Verizon is known as one of the best fiber internet providers, and it is introducing 5G Home Internet services in areas where its fiber network isn’t accessible.
👍 Things We Like:
- No data caps
- No contract
- 2-3 year price guarantee
👎 Things to Consider:
- Speeds fluctuate and vary by location
- Performance is susceptible to signal interference
3. Kinetic by Windstream
Kinetic by Windstream offers fiber internet and phone services with impressive coverage in rural/remote areas. It also delivers the fastest DSL internet services to rural residents who cannot get fiber.
👍 Things We Like:
- No data limit or contract
- High-speed rural internet
- Rapidly growing fiber network
👎 Things to Consider:
- Substantial price hike after promotional period
- Speeds and pricing vary by location
4. Viasat
Viasat is accessible nationwide, which makes it a promising internet option for rural dwellers. If your area is deprived of wireless/LTE services and any kind of wired internet connection, you can always rely on satellite internet.
👍 Things We Like:
- Available everywhere
- No data caps
- Built-in Wi-Fi
👎 Things to Consider:
- Relatively expensive
- Inconsistent speeds
5. Xtream Powered by Mediacom
Xtream Powered by Mediacom offers cheap cable internet services in some rural areas of the country. It is more reliable and faster than common rural internet sources, i.e. DSL, satellite, and other wireless services.
👍 Things We Like:
- Diverse and affordable internet plans
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Bundling options
👎 Things to Consider:
- Restrictive data caps
- Limited availability
6. Ziply Fiber
Ziply Fiber is currently operating in Washington, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon. It aims to eliminate the digital divide by offering services in urban and rural settlements.
👍 Things We Like:
- Symmetrical speeds
- No data caps and contracts
- 30-day money-back guarantee
👎 Things to Consider:
- Small service area
- Equipment cost not included in plans
7. T-Mobile
Let us end the list with another wireless internet option, as it is most prevalent in rural areas next to satellite internet. T-Mobile is one of the top 5G home internet providers in the US and pretty good in terms of rural connectivity.
👍 Things We Like:
- Straightforward pricing
- Unlimited data
👎 Things to Consider:
- Inconsistent speeds and performance
Comparison of the Top Rural Internet Providers
| ISP | Gig Speed Availability | Symmetrical Speeds | Low Latency or Ping Rate | Unlimited Data | Wide Rural Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HughesNet | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✓ |
| Verizon 5G | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kinetic by Windstream | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ |
| Viasat | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Xtream Powered by Mediacom | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ziply Fiber | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ |
| T-Mobile | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ |
How to Choose the Right Rural Internet Provider?
When you have multiple options to choose from, it’s all about understanding your requirements and constraints. For instance, choosing the fastest internet is great in theory, but not if you cannot afford it in the long run.
Fiber Internet is best for:
Hardcore gaming, high-quality streaming, fast downloading and uploading, and all kinds of data-heavy tasks
Cable Internet is best for:
Online gaming, streaming, downloading content, work from home
5G/Fixed Wireless is best for:
Convenient wireless connectivity, casual gaming/streaming, and remote work
Satellite Internet is best for:
Light internet usage, retaining connectivity in rural areas, and remote work (in the absence of a wired connection)
Bonus Section: Tips for Negotiating with an ISP
Switching to a new internet provider can be rather tiring in a rural place where options are limited. Consider negotiating with your current ISP before moving on.
- Research competitors in the area and see what they have to offer.
- Contact your current ISP’s customer service department and bring up promising deals from competitors.
- Mention your loyalty as a customer – excellent track record of payments, long-term commitment, etc.
- Highlight the issues you’ve been facing with your internet service.
- Ask for a discount/free upgrade as compensation or incentive.
Final Thoughts
High-speed fiber or cable internet is not common or easily available in most rural neighborhoods. While satellite internet is accessible countrywide, it is not always completely reliable or affordable.
5G internet has the potential to deliver exceptional speeds, though it’s still a work in progress. At the end of the day, you have to make do with what you have and hope for improved services in the future.
FAQs
What type of internet connection is best for rural areas?
Satellite internet is most suitable for rural areas as it is accessible nationwide, unlike other types of internet connections.
Which is the fastest rural internet?
Ziply Fiber is the fastest rural internet option, though availability is limited.
Why is satellite internet so expensive?
Satellite internet is an expensive technology and often the only option for remote/rural consumers, which contributes to its high price.
Why is fiber internet not available in most rural areas?
Most rural areas lack the infrastructure required for the distribution of fiber optic cables. Since these areas have a low population count, laying down the foundation for advanced (and expensive) technology is not considered very profitable.
Can I get free internet in a rural area?
You may get free internet while you’re visiting a local business that offers such a perk in exchange for buying something from them. If you want an internet connection for your home in a rural area, you’ll naturally have to pay for it. Nevertheless, you might score a cheap internet service by availing of any discount programs/offers applicable to your area.