Compared with U.S. downtowns and metropolitans, internet options in rural areas have always been limited. However, over the years, some remarkable internet service providers, like AT&T, CenturyLink, and Kinetic by Windstream have made efforts to improve the internet quality and coverage for the rural population.
Fortunately, the latest technologies are constantly expanding their coverage areas in this rapidly evolving world. But it can be a little difficult to find or compare the internet options that perform well where driveways are gravel and backyard means areas of pasture.
We will help you determine the best rural internet options you have in 2023. Learn what distinguishes them from each other, and choose an internet service that will keep you connected at all times. So, let’s get started!
Some of the most common rural internet options are DSL, satellite internet, and fixed wireless. Cable internet is also available, but cable internet providers are often not quite prominent in rural areas. Mobile data running on 4G and, more recently, 5G have also made remote access to the internet a lot easier than before, but it can run a little more expensive. As far as fiber internet is concerned, rural areas have little to no access to it.
DSL is a great option for rural internet due to the solid connection and affordable rates it offers – at least compared to local satellite internet options. Since the infrastructure is a lot easier to set up as compared to cable and other services, DSL has quite an impressive wide coverage throughout rural America. DSL internet speeds typically range between 1 Mbps and 35 Mbps. Plus, with the advancement in recent years, DSL-based networks are now offering up to 100 Mbps for downloads. However, the speed available at your exact address may vary depending on the distance from your provider’s hub. AT&T, CenturyLink, and Windstream fall in this category of internet services.
If you are located in one of the hard-to-reach rural areas where DSL services are not available, satellite internet is a reliable option. It is available almost all around the U.S., and since it is essentially wireless – needs little infrastructure to reach you. However, satellite internet is typically pricier than other internet options, gets affected by severe weather, and has low data caps – which can be quite annoying. HughesNet is the most popular satellite internet service in the U.S., with over 1 million subscribers.
Fixed Wireless is yet another service that you can find in some of the more difficult rural areas where DSL cannot quite reach. In comparison to satellite internet, fixed wireless tends to be more affordably priced and provides you high-speed internet for most basic use. However, there are downsides to this service, such as limited speeds and data. Plus, it does require a backhaul internet connection, so there has to be some basic infrastructure available. Additionally, you are expected to install an antenna to receive the signals. Rise Broadband is one of the most widely available fixed wireless internet services in the U.S. today.
Although it is still quite restricted, some rural areas may actually receive a little cable internet. As providers are expanding their coverage areas and trying to penetrate into rural areas, this is becoming more available than before. It is a great option to have because it can set you up with really high-speed internet and sometimes even come without data limits. However, depending on the provider and location, you may have to pay more for your cable internet. On the bright side though, you get to enjoy faster internet speeds than any other service, generous data allowance, and a dependable connection. Xfinity and Spectrum are two of the most popular cable internet options for rural areas where available.
Mobile data is good enough to use if you are on the go or want to share the internet with your friends and family via a mobile hotspot. You may have hotspot data as a part of your current mobile phone package, and rural areas often do have good 4G and 5G access in most areas. So, it is a good way to access the internet. AT&T Wireless is a great option to choose if you need data on the go. You can pick an unlimited data plan and stay connected no matter where you are!
However, do bear in mind that this is more of a temporary fix rather than permanent – it’s best if you are out trekking in the wild or visiting up north for a week. This is because the service can be spotty in certain areas and your data can quickly run out with limited plans.
Now that we have discussed all the internet services available in the region, it is time to look at some of the most popular Wi-Fi internet providers in rural areas. So here we go!
AT&T is known for its widespread coverage throughout the U.S., with over 15 million internet customers in its fold. AT&T serves its internet in over 21 states and works with a number of different technologies to deliver a good experience for everyone. From high-speed IPBB to Fiber internet, AT&T has everyone covered. Most of the AT&T Internet in rural areas is high-speed IPBB, which is a mix of DSL and other modern technologies to deliver faster speeds than ever before and connect your home in rural America to good and reliable internet service.
AT&T high-speed internet has some of the biggest networks in the U.S. available to millions of people. High-speed internet from AT&T ensures that most people on the network receive speeds of 25 Mbps or above – which is quite adequate for basic home use. You always get the highest speed tier available at your address. Couple that with the fact that AT&T internet plans are priced quite affordably and come with substantial data allowance, making it one of the most popular internet services.
Let us look at some of the AT&T internet plans for rural customers. To check availability in your area, reach out to us at 855-925-2541.
Internet Plan | Max Download Speed | Data Allowance | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Internet 25 | 25 Mbps | 1.5 TB |
$55/mo. plus taxes
For 12 months. Autopay and paperless billing required. |
Internet 75 | 50 Mbps | 1.5 TB | |
Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | Unlimited |
$55/mo. plus taxes
For 12 months. Autopay and paperless billing required. |
Data effective as of publish date. For the recent plans and prices, call 855-925-2541.
Of all the different DSL internet providers in the U.S. CenturyLink is by far the local favorite when it comes to rural internet. It offers an extensive nationwide network that extends out to 16 states. CenturyLink is particularly well-known for its wide availability making it the 3rd largest provider of residential DSL internet in the U.S.
Some of the best things that you get to enjoy with CenturyLink Internet in rural areas include:
Here is a look at the most popular CenturyLink Internet Plan for rural customers. To check availability in your area, call 855-349-9310.
Internet Plan | Speed | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Simply Unlimited Internet | Up to 100 Mbps |
$55/mo.
In select markets. Paperless billing required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply. |
Data effective as of publish date. For the recent plans and prices, call 855-349-9310.
Windstream is another DSL internet provider that is quite a hit with the rural population. While Windstream also offers pure Fiber to customers across the U.S., it has a much larger network of DSL Internet. Its services are available to people in 18 states, and you can rely on not just high-speed internet but at incredible prices. Complete with unlimited data and no contracts to tie you down to the service. Bundling with a home phone is also available for more value and you can get your money’s worth with Windstream if you are anywhere in its coverage map.
High-speed DSL with Windstream Kinetic supports speeds up to 100 Mbps and is one of the cheapest rural internet plans. You only have to pay $39.99 per month for 12 months. Auto-pay and paperless billing are required to qualify for this internet plan. Plus, depending on where you live, you might get even more promotions such as a reward card. So do not forget to check for any such discounts or promotions before you get the service.
Take a look at Kinetic by Windstream internet plan. To learn more about Kinetic by Windstream, reach out to Windstream customer service at 855-349-9312.
Internet Plan | Speed | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Kinetic Internet Basic | Up to 100 Mbps |
$39.99/mo.
for 12 months. Incl. a $10.00/mo. AutoPay and a $2.00/mo. paperless billing discount. |
Data effective as of publish date. For the recent plans and prices, call 855-349-9312.
HughesNet is the biggest satellite internet provider in the U.S. internet arena and offers a number of different speed tiers to customers. Recent advancements in HughesNet tech also mean that the internet it offers appears to be faster with low latency compared to other satellite providers. You get to enjoy speeds up to 50 Mbps or choose a data plan that fits your needs. Plus, the Wi-Fi feature comes built into your internet modem so you can get a wireless connection for all your home devices.
One of the best things about HughesNet is that it does not come with any hard data caps – rather if you go over the limit, you can stay connected at lower speeds. Or, you can purchase extra HughesNet data tokens and restore your internet speed if you like. The choice is yours. You also get a Bonus data zone of 50 GB per month to use between the off-peak hours of 2 AM and 8 AM. There are also video data saver features that adjust the rate at which data is consumed especially while streaming.
Since the technology is costly and technical to set up, Satellite internet is typically considered more expensive than other internet services. But it is still a reliable internet option in most places. And HughesNet does give you a variety of perks to join their tribe.
Here is a look at all the HughesNet internet plans that you can get for your home. To learn more, reach out to HughesNet customer service at 855-349-9309.
HughesNet Internet Plan | Download/Upload Speed | Data Allowance | Pricing |
---|---|---|---|
15 GB | 15/3 Mbps | 15 GB |
$49.99/mo.
Equipment lease or purchase fees extra. |
50 GB | 25/3 Mbps | 50 GB |
$49.99/mo.
for the first 12 months. In select markets with a 24-month agreement |
Fusion 100 GB | 25/3 Mbps | 100 GB |
$74.99/mo.
for the first 12 months. In select markets with a 24-month agreement |
Fusion 200 GB | 50/3 Mbps | 200 GB |
$149.99/mo.
for the first 12 months. In select markets with a 24-month agreement |
*. Data effective as of publish date. For the latest plans and pricing in your area, please call 855-349-9309.
Rise broadband is a fixed wireless internet service, which keeps people in the underserved suburbs and rural areas connected to the internet. Rise broadband extends its service in 16 states and is available to over 20 million people. Although the basic internet network of fixed wireless does work over a wired connection, quite like cable or fiber, the setup is easier and less pricey to build. This is because the ‘last mile’ of the internet signal for fixed wireless essentially travels over the air through a focused point-to-point wireless connection. You need a clear line of sight from the transmitter to the receiver end for this internet service without any obstructions.
Here is a look at some of the internet plans that you can enjoy with Rise Broadband – throughout rural America. To learn more about the service, call 844-343-1169at any time.
Internet Plan | Download Speeds | Data Allowance | For Pricing & Availability |
---|---|---|---|
Rise Broadband Internet 25 Mbps Plan | 25 Mbps | 250 GB/mo. or unlimited data | Call Now |
Rise Broadband Internet 50 Mbps Plan | 50 Mbps | 250 GB/mo. or unlimited data | Call Now |
Rise Broadband Internet 100 Mbps Plan | 100 Mbps | 250 GB/mo. or unlimited data | Call Now |
Data effective as of publish date. For the latest plans and pricing in your area, call 844-343-1169.
When it comes to cable internet in rural areas, service is still considered limited at this point. Due to the huge costs of setting down the cable infrastructure in these remote areas of the country, not many providers venture down this path. However, there are a couple of industry favorites that are making an effort to bring internet to the people in underserved areas. Xfinity and Spectrum are usually the ones widely available and offer internet plans that fit everybody.
Xfinity is one of the leading cable internet providers in the U.S. broadband industry serving over 30 million customers in 36 states. With one of the largest internet networks in the country, Xfinity is looking to expand its footprint even further, taking it to the rural sides of America. The provider is known for the value and features it offers to its internet customers including;
While it is still limited in rural areas, the 10G Xfinity advantage might be coming to your area soon. The pricing for Xfinity internet plans starts from $19.99 per month.
Here, take a look at a few Xfinity internet plans in the west region. Remember that Xfinity plans and pricing may vary depending on your location. To check for the exact plans at your address, call 844-207-8721.
Xfinity Internet Plan | Max. Download Speed | Price |
---|---|---|
Connect | 75 Mbps |
$19.99/mo.
for 12 months with a 1-year term contract. Taxes & equipment not included. Automatic payments and paperless billing are required. |
Connect More | 200 Mbps |
$35/mo.
for 24 months. No Term Contract. Taxes not included. Automatic payments and paperless billing are required. |
Fast | 400 Mbps |
$50/mo.
for 24 months. No Term Contract. Taxes not included. Automatic payments and paperless billing are required. |
Spectrum is another cable internet provider with footprint in 41 states, making it one of the largest providers in the U.S.. Although it already has a rather impressive footprint, in recent years, Spectrum has also become a part of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). According to this FCC initiative, Spectrum is now making efforts to deploy high-speed internet connections in rural areas. This multi-year and multi-million dollar project includes 24 states and is expected to take a few years to complete, with an estimate of around 2028.
Spectrum as an internet provider gets you everything you want in an internet service. The internet plans range from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps with no contracts, unlimited data, and FREE. A Wi-Fi feature built into the modem can be activated for just $5/mo. There is a contract buyout of up to $500 if you bundle with Spectrum TV.
Let us take a look at the Spectrum internet plans. For more information about the service and availability in your area, call 844-481-5997 today!
Spectrum Internet Plans | Max. Download Speed | Price |
---|---|---|
Spectrum Internet | 300 Mbps |
$49.99/mo.
For 12 months with auto pay |
Spectrum Ultra | 500 Mbps |
$69.99/mo.
For 12 months with auto pay |
Spectrum Gig | 1 Gbps |
$89.99/mo.
For 12 months with auto pay |
Data effective as of publish date. For the latest plans and pricing in your area, please call 844-481-5997.
Customers in rural areas have long suffered from underservice in their areas especially when it comes to internet. However, some internet providers do make an effort to serve these areas and the service has steadily increased over time. FCC is taking necessary initiatives to narrow the digital divide and make high-speed internet available to most people around the U.S. So, it is only a matter of time before it reaches all locations.
Choosing the right internet provider for your home can be tricky, but if you understand your needs and research well, it may become easier. To explore rural internet options in your area, reach out to our experts at 855-349-9328.
Fiber Internet in rural areas is still pretty much a fantasy. This is because the infrastructure is quite expensive to set down and difficult to do due to the far-flung and remote nature of these areas. But you can still get high-speed internet in your area – just give us a call at 855-349-9328 and we will help you through the process.
Unless you are connected to a free public Wi-Fi network, it is not easy to find free internet in rural areas. These communities still regard the internet as something of a luxury and unless you have an internet plan of your own – it might be difficult to get by. To explore the most affordable internet plans for rural areas, call 855-349-9328.