Finding high-speed internet service can be challenging outside city limits. Many internet service providers don’t have access to much-needed infrastructure in rural areas. Satellite internet is an excellent option for high-speed internet in rural areas and has plenty of benefits.
Importance of High-speed Internet in Rural Areas
High-speed internet is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. We rely on high-speed internet daily for essential activities, including paying bills, shopping, connecting with faraway relatives and friends, playing games, and streaming movies.
Whether you live in the city or a rural area, you need fast and secure internet service to complete tasks and stay connected. High-speed internet options for rural areas result in greater economic development, more educational opportunities, and improved quality of life.
Rural High-Speed Internet Options
Internet options for rural areas typically come down to satellite internet, DSL and fixed wireless, especially in remote areas. Below is additional information regarding these internet options:
Satellite Internet vs. DSL and Fixed Wireless
Satellite Internet:
Coverage:
- Available wherever you live, even in areas with no cable or fiber internet provider available.
- Hughesnet® internet plans are available anywhere in the contiguous US, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.
Installation:
- Hughesnet offers free standard installation by a professional installer of your satellite dish, modem/router, and network.
- All Hughesnet satellite internet plans include advanced, built-in Wi-Fi.
- 24/7 support via phone, app, or chat.
Speed:
- Hughesnet is streaming fast, with speeds up to 100 Mbps and unlimited data.
Reduced Latency:
- The Hughesnet Fusion® plans combine the best elements of satellite internet and wireless technology for a more responsive experience. Multipath technology speeds your connection so content-rich web pages load fast, and images download quickly. You can stream video and enjoy smooth video conferencing with less buffering. Check for plan availability!
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA):
Coverage:
- Provides internet coverage using cellular radio waves.
- Coverage is limited to approximately 10 miles around the transmitting cell tower.
- Signal quality depends on a clear line of sight to the cell tower. Buildings and terrain can interfere with signal quality.
Installation:
- Requires an outdoor antenna that connects to an indoor router.
- Installation will either be self-install or a technician will position antenna for best signal strength.
Speed:
- Provides speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
Latency:
- Latency rates range from 30 to 40 microseconds.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line):
Coverage:
- Available through standard copper telephone lines without tying up the phone line. Widespread throughout the United States, DSL is the only form of wired internet in many locations.
Installation:
- Requires a DSL modem, a phone line with a DSL filter, and an ethernet cable to connect your device to the modem or a wireless router.
Speed:
- DSL has comparatively slow speeds, many plans offer speeds that are less than 25 Mbps.
Latency:
- DSL speed drops the further your location is from the internet provider’s nearest network hub. This limitation can cause noticeable latency issues in remote areas, with speeds lower than advertised.
What Makes Satellite Internet the Right Fit for You?
Satellite internet service may be your best option if any of the following apply:
- You live in a remote or rural area.
- Traditional wired internet options are unavailable in your area.
- The nearest cell tower is more than ten miles away or obscured by terrain or buildings.
- You need reliable broadband internet.
How to get Satellite Internet for Rural Areas
- Check Hughesnet availability in your area and choose the internet plan that best fits your needs.
- Arrange an appointment with a Hughesnet on-site professional installer. You can schedule the appointment when you choose your internet plan or have the installation technician contact you within three business days.
- Enjoy your new high-speed internet connection!
Your wait for high-speed internet is over. Choose the Hughesnet internet plan that fits your online needs today!
