Did you know more than 30 million Americans still don’t have access to proper internet? According to FCC reports, 39% of rural American families do not have high-speed internet. This gap is severe compared to the 4% for urban populations.
One of the main factors contributing to this is the lack of proper infrastructure. Conventional broadband connections use wired networks. These are difficult to find and install in rural areas. Alternate internet connections are necessary for such settings, such as
Fixed Wireless Internet
Instead of cables and optic fibers, fixed wireless internet uses radio waves. This type of connection is apt for delivering high-speed internet to a single location. Fixed wireless internet is inexpensive since it does not require extensive physical equipment.
To use this service, you need to install an antenna on your roof. The service provider then transmits the signal from the source to this point. The data exchange happens between these two junctions. Additionally, radio waves also help transmit data at faster rates.
This quality helps even rural users access high download/upload speeds. Fixed wireless internet is available at cheaper rates compared to satellite installations. They are also an improvement on classic DSL connections, sometimes even offering unlimited data.
Pros of Fixed-Wireless Internet
- Cost-effective
- High-speed internet using radio waves
- Reliable service
- High capacity servers
- Accident resistant
Satellite Internet
One of the newer alternatives to traditional networks is satellite Internet. This system uses orbiting satellites to transmit the internet to the users. But, like the antenna for fixed wireless, you need to install a receiver first. Satellite internet users need a receiver dish to access the signals bounced by the equipment in space.
However, this is a new solution, so it tends to have low speeds. The maximum upload/download speed for satellite users is 35 mb/s. This type of connection may also have significant data costs and low caps. The satellite internet is also volatile, changing quickly with the weather. Users may also face issues due to limited bandwidth and high latency.
Pros of Satellite Internet
- Several optional features available
- Unrivaled availability
- Radical solution
Data Sim Internet
Data sim-based internet is one of the easiest-to-use rural internet services. This type of connection does not require antennas or receiver dishes. Instead, you can access the internet using a cellular network.
Data sim internet has a wireless digital technology capable of delivering high-speed internet. This network offers connection to smartphones even when on the go.
Pros of Cellular Internet
- High-speed internet available
- It can be used on the go
- No installation needed
- Limitless movement possible
- Easy to install
- Multiple data plans available
- Cheap data rates
DSL Internet
DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, uses a landline phone service to provide access to the internet. Though it has a lower speed, you can use your existing phone line to get the connection. One of the advantages of DSL internet is the cheaper data rates. It also has higher data caps than satellite internet connections.
Pros of DSL Internet
- Cheap data rates
- Uses existing phone line
- Higher data caps
Why Data Sim Internet is the Best Option for Rural Areas
Unlike fixed or wired networks, data sim internet services are wireless. This quality gives it an unlimited range. With a data sim service, you can connect to the internet from any location or device. This network type is also reliable and fast and requires no installation. Data sim internet is known for its flexible data plans. You pay monthly, meaning you get to choose your plans.
Data Terminology
When choosing your alternate rural internet service, knowing the following terms can be helpful
Data speed: Refers to the speed of your network connection. Now, these data speeds differ for uploads and downloads; the latter is always faster.
Data cap: Refers to your data usage. The best internet providers have unlimited or high data caps. The former may have a soft data cap in some cases. This means that the network speed slows down when you use excessive data.
Latency: Refers to the time the data takes to travel between your device and the service provider’s framework.
Want to get a reliable rural internet connection? Look no further than Wireless Solutions.
