Although the situation is improving, you still need an alternative to stay connected to the world. Rural areas across the United States usually have limited internet options. When it comes to remote areas or small towns, there are three main options for internet connectivity: DSL, Satellite and Fixed Wireless.
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Let us discuss these three options in detail.
DSL:
DSL is considered the best option for fast speed internet. Links to an external site. options. With the help of telephone lines, this internet connection can deliver speeds ranging from 1 to 100 Mbps. However, the service is not available in all rural areas. Therefore, you need to check its availability in your area.
Satellite:
Satellite is regarded as a great option for rural areas because it is virtually available everywhere. All you need is a clear sky-view to receive satellite signals, in order, to establish internet connectivity. However, satellite internet is not capable of delivering extremely high internet speed.
Fixed Wireless:
For a fixed wireless internet, you need to have a dish or an antenna installed on your rooftop so that is can receive internet signals and establish a connection. For a seamless connection, make sure that you are located near a cellular tower because it transmits the signals to your antenna.
Now that you know about the available options, it is time to talk about the one that works best for you.
DSL vs Satellite Internet
Keeping in mind, the general rule of thumb, i.e. faster is better, DSL is the best option because it offers reliability and better internet speed. However, in areas where top speed is just around 1 – 5 Mbps, satellite might be the better option because it ensures stability and at times, good internet speed as well.
DSL internet usually comes with high data caps that might go up to 1000GBs. Satellite internet, on the other hand, usually has low data caps ranging from 40GBs to 150GBs. So, if you are fond of streaming HD videos on Netflix, then DSL is a better option for you. Satellite is ideal for people who just have to check their emails and online messages.
Just recently, many satellite service providers started offering unlimited satellite internet which means no data caps. At first glance, this may sound like an attractive offer but when you go through their guidelines, they have clearly mentioned a limit to which you can enjoy that ‘unlimited’ internet. Once you exceed that particular limit, the service provider will throttle your connection and you will experience slow or no internet at all. Therefore, make sure that you read the guidelines in detail before signing any contracts.
Here is a list of DSL and Satellite Rural Internet Providers that offer quality services in rural areas:
- AT&T Internet
- CenturyLink
- HughesNet
- Viasat
- Windstream
I prefer AT&T internet more than the rest because they listen to what I say. They solve the problem as soon as possible and offer good quality internet at a reasonable price. If anything, their internet service is hard to beat.
However, before you start looking for internet plans, make sure that you check the provider’s availability in your area via localcabledeals.com because internet plans may vary according to your location.
Fixed Wireless vs DSL and Satellite Internet
Fixed wireless is different from DSL and satellite internet service. In a fixed wireless connection, the internet is directly delivered from the access point. This means faster internet with solid stability. However, this type of connection is not widely available because you need to have a direct line of sight with the access point, which can be miles away from your home.
Rural areas have limited internet options because of the high-cost which is involved in bringing quality service to remote areas. Furthermore, unlike urban areas, where there are thousands of customers willing to sign up for the service, rural area residents do not go for such services instantaneously. Companies have to face significant losses in the initial years because, firstly, the houses are miles apart and wiring needs to be installed. Secondly, not everyone is willing to take up the service as they are not willing to pay a higher price for it.
Final Words
Even though progress is being made to provide better service in rural areas, it might take a couple of years more to develop new technologies. In the meantime, the aforementioned internet types are your best options to establish a connection with the World Wide Web.
