Best High-Speed Internet for Rural Areas in 2021

Compared with U.S. downtowns and metropolitans, internet availability in rural regions has always been vague. However, over the years, some remarkable internet service providers, as well as telecom giants like AT&T, have made efforts to improve the internet quality delivered to 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. 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!

Types of Internet Service Providers in Rural Areas

In rural areas, satellite, DSL, and cable are some of the most commonly available internet types. There are other options too like dial-up, which is old but still prevalent and mobile hotspot internet, which could be a bit expensive. As far as fiber optic internet is concerned, it is not easily available in rural areas and is considered a unicorn even in major urban cities.

Some rural internet providers perform better for different uses than others. If you have choices, here is how you can choose the right one.

DSL internet

DSL internet is a great option, thanks to its affordable rates when compared to satellite connection. You get to access high speeds and data limits equal to cable internet. Also, DSL tends to have more widespread coverage than cable.

Cable internet

You may have to give more money for your monthly cable internet bills than your friends living in urban areas, but it is definitely worth it. You get to enjoy fast speeds, generous data caps, and a reliable connection. And, it still costs less than satellite.

Satellite internet

If you live in hard-to-reach rural areas where DSL or cable may not be available, then satellite internet is a good option. However, its low data limits and high prices might frustrate you in the long run. Depending on your provider and package you choose, satellite internet speeds can fall within the range of 12 Mbps – 100 Mbps.

Fixed wireless

You will find fixed wireless at more affordable rates than satellite internet. The downsides of this service are that you might not get blazing fast speeds or unlimited data. Also, you have to install an antenna.

If cable or DSL internet is not available in your area, fixed wireless is still a great option as it saves you from paying hefty satellite internet bills. You can even enjoy unlimited internet for rural areas with Rise broadband, but you may only get a maximum of 25 Mbps of download speeds as it offers only one plan in these regions.

Mobile hotspot

If you have planned a trekking trip into the wild with your friends and need a temporary internet connection, go for a mobile hotspot. You may even have hotspot data already as a part of your current mobile phone package, so there may be no need to pay any additional amount. But look out for slow speeds and limited data allowances.

High-Speed Rural Internet Options

Where cable internet service providers offer more reliable and fast services than DSL, satellite internet is also a good backup option to keep if grounded internet lines like DSL or cable are not available in your area.

We recommend the following internet service providers for rural residents in the same order from top to bottom:

Xfinity

Xfinity from Comcast provides coverage to nearly 112.1 million residents across 40 states in the United States. It is America’s largest cable internet service provider that also offers fiber-optic service in selected locations. Currently, this service is available to around 18,000 people.

The provider primarily offers cable internet, but customers can also go for a voice or cable TV service if they consider it a good fit. The best thing about all of its internet plans beyond the basic one is that they come with Norton Security and Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots extended in areas that fall in its footprint. It is no doubt the most reliable internet for rural areas.

Hughes Net

With services encompassing almost 50 U.S. states, HughesNet is available to nearly 308 million residents. What makes HughesNet special among all four satellite internet providers in the United States is its quality of service. Since it is a satellite service, availability is no issue and there is hardly any area where you won’t find HughesNet.

HughesNet Gen5 internet service provides coverage from the east to the west coast of the U.S. and connects more than a million Americans through 5^th generation advanced satellite internet technology. For people residing in rural areas, this service is undoubtedly one of the most feasible options. Especially, since the provider has received immense appreciation for delivering more than 150% of advertised speeds to its subscribers, which is exceptional, outstanding, and highly unusual at the same time in the industry. Moreover, HughesNet’s internet service takes maximum advantage of the company’s tremendous experience in the field of SmartTechnologies and satellite technology.

Just like the majority of satellite internet service providers, HughesNet also tends to emphasize on setting restrictions on data usage. Each internet plan comes with a data limit, and as soon as you have used your granted amount, you will get sluggish internet speeds until you buy more data.

To ensure users don’t starve for heavy data-consuming activities, HughesNet offers the Bonus Zone feature. which serves as a savior for most of its subscribers. With this feature, customers can consume up to 50 GB of data from 2 A.M. – 8 A.M. every month. It even allows you to use Download Manager to schedule heavy downloads during this time, so you can save your regular data and prevent yourself from purchasing any extra Data Tokens.

Century Link

There are approximately 881 DSL internet providers in the United States, but only a few lead this arena. Among all of these, we recommend CenturyLink as the best DSL internet option for rural areas.

CenturyLink offers a network coverage that expands across 50 U.S. states, with the most prominent footprint in Washington, Arizona, and Colorado. Its far-reaching availability nationwide makes it the 3^rd largest residential DSL internet provider in America. It is well-known for both DSL and fiber plans. If we talk specifically about rural areas, then DSL is the only option available for now.

The unique selling proposition of CenturyLink Internet, among the rural areas and beyond, is its Price for Life guarantee. With each high-speed DSL plan that Century Link offers, you pay the same price forever. Yes, it takes away any and all your worries regarding price hikes. If you choose a CenturyLink DSL plan, remain subscribed to it, and your billing address also remains the same, you will not experience any price change.

That’s not all. Additionally, it does not even bind you to a yearly or bi-yearly contract. So, if at any point of your service you feel unsatisfied, you always have the option to leave and move on as a free bird. However, as long as you remain a customer, you must pay all charges on a month-to-month basis.

Bottom Line

In all distant hamlets where fiber technology fails to provide coverage, internet types like satellite, DSL, and cable come to the rescue; you would not see your internet strength diminish. Some providers offer tempting benefits you just cannot ignore, and some have far-reaching availability, you have to choose wisely.

So if you feel confused about how you can determine the best high-speed rural internet options available in your area, simply head on to BuyTVInternetPhone and enter your ZIP code. Once done, you will get a list of all the providers currently offering services in your region. Trust us, you would not return empty-handed – Good luck!

FAQs

What is the best Internet for rural areas?

We would say the best option is DSL, satellite, or 4G LTE internet for rural areas, depending on speeds, availability, data, and price. Satellite internet is accessible almost everywhere, but data limits make it a second choice for people who love to stream online videos. So, check all your available options before you commit to satellite internet.

What is the best Internet for gaming in rural areas?

While satellite internet does not offer speeds fast enough for a smooth online gaming experience, CenturyLink and Xfinity might deliver a connection strong enough to enjoy PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and similar games.

If you want to play safe, get HughesNet’s 50 GB plan or Rise Broadband’s unlimited data plans.

How can I get Wi-Fi in rural areas?

To get Wi-Fi in rural areas, you need a router and supported devices. You can buy a router from your Internet Service Provider, and simply follow its easy and quick installation procedure that does not take long at all.

How do I get superfast broadband in rural areas?

Rural residents suffer from restricted access to Fiber optic internet so, cable internet is the only superfast broadband option available that offers fast download speeds and low latency rates.

How to get good internet service in rural areas?

For the best internet service in rural areas, we recommend the following internet service providers in the same order from top to bottom: