Best Rural Internet Providers 2022
While living in the country might be slower-paced than in the city, that doesn’t mean your internet has to be, too. There are plenty of great options for rural areas if you know what to look for. To help with your search, we break down the best internet options for rural areas and what each provider has to offer.
Top Rural Internet Providers
50 GB/mo. bonus data (2 am-8 am)
No contracts required
Unlimited Standard Data
Built-in WiFi
Comparing Rural Internet Providers
HughesNet
Download Speeds Up To : 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps
Windstream
Download Speeds Up To : 100Mbps – 1000Mbps
AT&T
Download Speeds Up To : 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps
Viasat
Download Speeds Up To : 12 Mbps – 100 Mbps
Best Rural Internet Options by Connection Type
In rural areas, you probably have more options than you think. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), over 99% of people in the US have access to at least 2 providers near them. The three most common rural connections include DSL internet, satellite internet, and fixed-wireless.
So, which rural internet option is the best? That depends on a number of factors like your location, your data usage habits, and your budget. Below, we compare the different types of rural internet services to help you decide.
DSL
Similar to fiber internet and cable internet, DSL uses pre-existing cable lines to deliver internet service to homes – specifically phone lines. In rural areas, DSL is preferred over satellite and fixed wireless internet because of its faster speeds and protection against harsh weather.
Satellite
Satellite internet is a great option for rural and remote areas because it’s available virtually anywhere. In the past, satellite plans came with data caps, high latency (delay), and high price tags. However, providers like HugheNet and Viasat now offer competitive rates and unlimited data to meet users’ needs.
Fixed Wireless
Fixed wireless uses a dish or antenna to receive internet. It broadcasts a signal from a local cell lower and can achieve speeds up to 1000 Mbps in certain areas. It’s less common than other wireless connections, but those that can access it benefit from lower latency and decent data rates, making gaming possible in rural areas.
Rural Internet Pros & Cons
Every internet connection type has its advantages and disadvantages. If you live in a rural area, you may be surprised by not only the number of options available near you but also the perks that help keep you connected in the country.
How We Evaluate Providers
Between hidden fees and price hikes, finding the right internet plan can feel overwhelming. To help with your search, our team of internet experts evaluates ISPs on categories including performance, affordability, and customer satisfaction to provide you with the best options near you.
Rural Internet FAQs
Mobile Hotspots – For an added fee, some mobile carriers offer WiFi hotspots that can be used for an internet connection at home. It can work as a convenient solution for light internet users and tends to be a cheaper alternative to satellite or DSL internet. Just make sure your mobile provider supports your home address before paying up.
Dial-up – While some have put this option out to pasture, it’s still a decent and cheap internet connection if you plan to live an unplugged lifestyle that needs only to check emails or browse the web. Similar to DSL internet, dial-up internet utilizes telephone lines to deliver service to homes. However, dial-up speeds are usually less than 1 Mbps, making it the very last option we’d recommend going with.