Rural internet service providers (ISP) like Hughesnet allow rural residents access to the same online resources, opportunities, and entertainment options their urban counterparts take for granted. Students can access educational tools, businesses can reach a larger audience, and friends and family can stay in touch if they have a reliable internet connection.
Internet options for rural areas are sometimes limited, even though the rural U.S.A. makes up 97% of the nation. Most internet providers use wired networks, connecting users to the internet through fiber-optic, cable, or phone lines. The need for wired infrastructure can restrict an internet provider’s ability to serve remote areas. Fortunately, advances in satellite internet and other internet connections allow everyone access to online activities.
Each type of rural ISP provider has its own strengths. Here’s the information you need to make an informed decision when choosing a reliable internet provider.
Assessing Your Internet Needs
Before you choose an internet provider, it’s important to remember every household and business has different internet habits and usage requirements. A large family that regularly plays games online requires more bandwidth than a single person who uses their connection mainly for social media and streaming movies. Both examples differ from the needs of a business with an online store. Before choosing a rural high-speed internet provider, consider the following points:
- How many people will use the internet at the same time?
- What will you use the internet for (browsing, social media, email, gaming, etc.)?
- Where in your home or business will you use the internet?
Types of Internet Connections
Depending on your location, you may have access to the following internet options:
Cable
Cable internet uses cable television wires to connect your home network to the ISP. Cable internet is unavailable in rural areas.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet service is available everywhere, even in areas with slow DSL and where fiber and cable options will not reach. With satellite internet, the signal is sent from a satellite to a satellite dish mounted on your property, which connects to a modem inside. This setup allows your phone, computer, and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices to stay connected, providing reliable satellite internet for rural areas.
Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber optic internet providers offer high-speed download and upload rates by sending data as light signals along fiber optic cable. The infrastructure for fiber optic internet is mainly confined to urban areas and their immediate surroundings. Therefore, fiber optic services are generally not available in rural areas.
DSL
DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, is a type of internet technology that uses traditional telephone lines to transmit digital data. While it has been a widely used option for connecting to the internet, it typically delivers slower speeds compared to broadband internet options like fiber and cable. Many providers are now replacing DSL with faster technologies to meet growing demands. For those dealing with slow DSL performance, Hughesnet’s satellite internet can be a reliable broadband internet alternative, especially in rural areas.
Fixed Wireless Access
Fixed wireless access (FWA) broadcasts radio signals from cell towers to an antenna connected to the user’s router. Fixed wireless is an option in areas without access to traditional broadband options, but signal quality depends on a clear line of sight to a cell tower. In addition, fixed wireless receivers are expensive, and FWA networks have capacity restrictions that limit the number of users on the network.
Hughesnet Services
For more than 25 years, Hughesnet has been the leading high-speed satellite internet service in rural America. With our plans, you can enjoy fast speeds, endless data to surf, stream, and share without worrying about hard data caps; built-in Wi-Fi 6 and optional Mesh Wi-Fi Nodes for strong, reliable coverage throughout your home; and a Hughesnet Fusion® plan for a more responsive internet experience.
Availability and Coverage
With Hughesnet, you can get high-speed internet access wherever you live, so you can live where you love and stay connected.
How to Check ISP Coverage in Your Area
Hughesnet availability is nationwide: we serve the entire contiguous United States, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. Check for service plans and current offers available in your area.
Speed and Performance
The powerhouse behind Hughesnet satellite internet is the JUPITER network, including JUPITER 3, the world’s largest and most advanced commercial communications satellite, offering Hughesnet customers speeds of up to 100 Mbps and unlimited data.
Why is bandwidth necessary for internet users? Simply put, the higher your bandwidth, the more data your network can transmit and receive. Bandwidth is directly related to how fast you can download or upload information.
Hughesnet offers high-speed internet plans with advanced, built-in WiFi. For customers looking to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones, Hughesnet offers optional Mesh Wi-Fi Nodes for Whole Home Wi-Fi.
Data Caps
All Hughesnet plans include unlimited data to allow you to do more of what you love online. With Hughesnet, you’ll never get cut off or pay overage fees.
Customer Care and Service Quality
Service quality and customer support are essential to rural satellite internet users, especially those in hard-to-reach locations. Hughesnet Customer Care provides excellent technical support, with representatives on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get the help you need when you need it through phone, online, or live chat support. Online support is available at myhughesnet.com.
Final Thoughts
You deserve reliable satellite internet for rural areas, designed to keep you connected wherever you live. Contact Hughesnet today to explore your options.
