Remote areas in our country may not have access to fast internet. The low population discourages providers from setting up infrastructure available in cities.
As a result, you may not be able to enjoy optic fiber or broadband connections in rural areas. Your choice may be limited to only a few options in most regions.
However, modern times and advances in technology are opening up new possibilities. You can now enjoy fast internet at affordable costs even outside city limits.
Let’s explore how.
Fixed Wireless Internet
Mobile coverage is available in rural areas. People have access to 4G internet in most parts of the country.
Moreover, newer technologies like 5G hold much promise.
Fixed wireless uses a receiver at your home to connect to nearby cell towers. It creates a WiFi network inside your home based on the signal from the tower.
You can choose a 4G or 5G connection to enjoy fast internet in rural areas. 4G connections can compete with broadband speeds, especially if you are close to the cell tower. We are talking about 100 to 500 Mbps.
5G is a faster and more reliable option. It can be 1 to 1.4 times faster than 4G. You may even expect speeds of 10 – 20 Gbps. So, it is ideal for business and commercial usage.
However, 5G is not available in all regions. 4G is the next best solution to enjoy fast internet in remote locations.
Wireless Internet
Wireless internet is similar to fixed wireless internet. However, it is suitable for people on the go.
For example, wireless internet is ideal if you own an RV or boat. You may even find it helpful if you change locations or towns frequently.
Wireless internet uses cell towers to power your internet connection. You need a device that connects to the nearest tower with a steady connection.
Therefore, you always have connectivity as long as you are within mobile network coverage.
The mobility factor may make you compromise on speed. However, it is the only option to enjoy a fast internet connection if you move around.
Else, you will have to rely on your mobile hotspot, which is pretty slow.
DSL Broadband
Smartphones have made landline telephones go out of fashion. According to Statista, only around 30% of people in the USA own an operational landline connection today.
DSL broadband can be a good option for people in rural areas with a landline phone. They can subscribe to data plans from their telecom providers at affordable rates.
DSL broadband uses the existing telecom infrastructure to provide an internet connection. The signal comes through telephone lines, and you only need to buy a modem.
However, DSL broadband is much slower compared to 4G or 5G. You may be able to get speeds of 1 – 10 Mbps, though higher speeds are also available.
The connection is steady, but the signal strength reduces as the distance increases. So, you will get better speeds if your home is located near the telecom provider’s station.
ADSL broadband is a similar technology. It offers higher download speeds compared to upload speeds.
Satellite Internet
The satellite internet is one of the earliest forms of internet in rural areas. It works similarly to satellite TV, which fetches signals from satellites orbiting the earth.
However, satellite internet can attain speeds of only 10 – 30 Mbps. It is slower than fixed wireless and wireless internet.
Moreover, it suffers from problems like latency and disturbance due to weather elements. Additionally, satellite internet data plans are pretty expensive.
As a result, it is not suited for everyday use for most people. You may use it as a last resort when you have no option left.
How Fast Is Rural Internet?
Fixed wireless internet is the best way to enjoy fast internet in rural regions. However, providers may limit your speed if they feel you are impacting the whole network.
Moreover, they may de-prioritize certain connections temporarily due to a spike in traffic.
So, keep your expectations realistic when you opt for rural internet connections.
Final Thoughts
Fixed wireless is one of the best options in rural areas. You may even opt for wireless connections using a 4G or 5G device. Moreover, you can try DSL broadband if you have a landline telephone. Or, just try out one of our reliable SIM solutions!
