How to Find High-Speed Internet in Rural Areas

In this article, we’ll explore how to get high-speed internet in rural areas and, if you have multiple internet providers, how to pick the best one for you. But first, let’s ask an all-important question about high-speed rural providers…

Why Rural Areas Struggle with High-Speed Internet Access

Much like everything else in America, it all comes back to one thing: money.

Rural areas have lower population density, fewer jobs, and less money. As a result, there are fewer incentives for internet service providers (ISPs) to invest there. Part of this investment involves the construction of new infrastructure, such as the underground wire needed to expand the ISP’s services. It’s much more cost-effective to expand that wire in a place with more people and money. and while government programs are making progress in expanding infrastructure to rural areas, they have a long way to go.

ISPs aren’t entirely without infrastructure solutions in these rural locations. Many ISPs use (or build) wireless communication towers, providing fixed wireless and cellular internet services. One option that removes the need for infrastructure solutions entirely is satellite. Later, you’ll learn more about the pros and cons of the different types of rural internet.

4 Different Internet Types Available in Rural Areas

Itching to see what service is available for you? We have two great tools for that! You can enter your address to find internet service there, or you can see what's available in your area by searching a city or zip code. Depending on how rural your location is, you will come across four types of internet:

• Satellite
• Fixed Wireless
• DSL
• Cable

While the list above does not cover all types of internet, our review below will explain why.

1. Satellite

Satellite internet, offered by providers like Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat,  is available virtually everywhere in the country because it relies on satellites rotating around the earth’s atmosphere. This means as long as there’s no interference from solar flares, space junk, or inclement weather, you’ve got internet.

The problem with this approach is that the quality of the internet is directly affected by the distance of the source. Since your source is in space, satellite internet is plagued with latency issues, meaning your internet is more likely to lose its connection.

Maintaining a connection from this distance also costs more, as maintaining a long-distance wireless signal strength requires more power. This is reflected in the heightened cost of satellite internet, which can be affected by potential data overages.

If you're looking at your satellite options, we suggest reading our guide on the best satellite internet providers.

2. Fixed Wireless

When it comes to rural internet, Fixed Wireless has long been a reliable option. Companies like Rise Broadband use wireless towers on Earth to beam internet directly to your home, bypassing the need for underground cables. But in recent years, another player has entered the rural internet game – 4G and 5G home internet services offered by major cellular providers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T.

Fixed Wireless and 4G/5G home internet work on a similar principle: both connect to a nearby tower and transmit internet to a specialized receiver at your location. The key difference? While traditional Fixed Wireless relies solely on dedicated towers, 4G and 5G home internet taps into the same network used by your mobile phone, often delivering faster speeds and better coverage.

In theory, these connections should offer lower latency than satellite internet, and they aren’t as likely to be affected by space-related disruptions like solar flares or space junk. However, like any wireless service, they can still be impacted by weather and physical obstructions such as trees or buildings. The quality of your connection will largely depend on how close you are to the nearest tower and what’s standing in the way.

On the plus side, both Fixed Wireless and 4G/5G home internet are generally more affordable than satellite, and some plans come with unlimited data. Providers like T-Mobile and Verizon have made significant strides in offering competitive speeds and reasonable pricing in rural areas, making these options increasingly attractive.

If you’re looking for a balance between speed, reliability, and cost, exploring Fixed Wireless and 4G/5G home internet options might be your best bet, see all fixed wireless providers in the US.

3. DSL

DSL, which stands for Digital Subscriber Line, was the first internet introduced after dial-up (what internet users refer to as the Dark Ages). At the time, it was revolutionary, as you could make a call and connect to the internet without having to hear your 56k modem screech at you. These days, it’s a bit dated.

DSL is the slowest form of "wired" internet that relies on in-the-ground infrastructure. This means that the speed can be anywhere from 25 to 200+ Mbps (megabytes per second). While this can be slower than satellite and fixed wireless internet in some cases, it’s generally the same speed.

What makes it better is the lower latency. After all, you do not have to worry about interference as much. There are no trees that will block a physical wire, and weather is less of an issue. This is because most wired DSL cables have shielding that can block outside signals. But the shield isn’t perfect, especially if the cable has sustained some damage.

The weakness of DSL internet is that the infrastructure behind it might not have been updated for years. In some cases, tech support in the area will just repeatedly replace your router and blame something out of their control on the problem. After all, it’s cheaper and easier to replace an above-ground gateway than to check cables hidden underground or in the walls.

DSL is offered by some of the largest providers in the country, including AT&T, CenturyLink, and Frontier. So when DSL works, it works better than fixed wireless internet. But the infrastructure in the area, which is a factor of our next internet type, must be taken care of. To view all DSL internet providers in the US, please click here.

4. Cable

When people think of "high-speed internet," Cable is often the first thing that comes to mind. And for good reason – Cable internet consistently delivers high speeds, often reaching up to 800 Mbps or more. This makes it a go-to option for those who need reliable, fast internet.

Cable internet is widely available because it uses the same infrastructure as cable television. Providers like Xfinity from Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox are some of the largest in the country, offering extensive coverage even in many rural areas. In contrast, DSL relies on telephone lines, which means that while DSL might be more common in some remote locations, Cable still serves a significant portion of households, making it the most popular type of internet by far.

Out of all the options on this list, Cable is the clear winner for many. Its wide availability, comparatively low latency, and high potential for speeds make it an attractive choice. The only potential downside is the quality of the infrastructure in your area. If you’re in a location where the infrastructure hasn’t been well-maintained, you might run into occasional issues. In those cases, you’ll want to ensure the local tech support can handle any problems that arise. Visit our Cable Internet Providers page to see all cable providers in the US.

Can I Just Rely on My Cell Phone Service?

Earlier, we touched on the idea of 4G and 5G home internet as a viable option for rural areas, but what about using your cell phone service as your main internet connection? The answer is: it depends.

Many cellular providers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T offer the ability to turn your phone into a mobile hotspot, which essentially transforms it into a mini router. This can be a convenient way to get online, especially if you have a strong signal and access to 4G or 5G networks. However, there are a few caveats.

First, while using your phone as a hotspot can work in a pinch, it’s not designed to be a long-term solution for heavy internet usage. Hotspot plans often come with strict data limits, and once you hit that cap, your speeds can slow to a crawl. Additionally, running your phone as a modem can drain its battery quickly and put extra strain on the device, potentially shortening its lifespan.

If you’re in a rural area with limited internet options, 4G/5G home internet services – where you get a dedicated router that connects to the cellular network – might be a better alternative. These services are specifically designed for home use and often come with more generous data allowances and better performance than relying on your phone’s hotspot.

In short, while your cell phone service can keep you connected in a pinch, for a more reliable and sustainable internet solution, it’s worth exploring 4G/5G home internet or other options that provide the stability and speed you need.

Why isn't Fiber Available in Rural Areas?

Fiber isn’t typically available in rural areas for the reason you saw above, which we’ll repeat here: money. Fiber optic internet is considered a premium-level internet service, reaching speeds over 1 Gbps (or 1000 Mbps). Naturally, this means that ISPs will install this high-quality service in a place that affords more opportunity: a large metropolitan area.

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, Allo is one small fiber internet provider with a strong presence in Western Nebraska.

Choosing the Right Rural Internet Provider

The right rural internet provider starts by asking about availability. After you’ve listed out all the ISPs near you, move on to these additional considerations.

Assessing Your Internet Needs and Usage

Simply put, only some people need high-speed internet. Anyone who tells you otherwise is trying to sell you something (probably fast internet). Take our how much speed do you need quiz to find the right speed for your household.

While getting faster internet speed than you need provides a nice cushion, it also wastes your money. For more information, review our articles on different internet speed requirements. Consider your maximum internet usage based on using everything at once because that could happen.

If you want that cushion, see if the ISP offers an internet plan slightly above your needs. For families that watch games or enjoy 4 K streaming, you could pick a plan with several hundred megabytes with few issues.

Once you decide on your need for speed, it’s time to look at the experience.

Evaluating Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

If you want to get a good feel for what it's like to work with an ISP, checking out customer service reviews is essential. But don’t just focus on general reviews – try to find some that are specific to your area. Local experiences can vary widely, and what works well in one region might not be as reliable in another.

To make this easier, our site offers customer reviews sorted by geographic areas. By using our address search or city/zip code search tool, you can access reviews that are relevant to your specific location. This gives you a better idea of what to expect from the ISPs in your area, ensuring you make an informed decision.

In some cases, these reviews will also delve into what installation is like, which can be affected by costs and the quality of local service. It’s always a good idea to explore these details before committing to a provider.

Installation Fees and Equipment Rentals

Equipment rental fees (or purchase fees) are the most expensive from satellite providers. After all, buying or renting a whole satellite dish is expensive. Satellite internet providers typically offer the option to pay upfront or over time, adding it to your internet plan. Otherwise, equipment rental costs usually average around $5 to $10 a month.

Installation fees are also an aspect, but many ISPs offer free installation if you subscribe to the service for a year. However, this varies depending on the provider. Again, satellite providers typically are more likely to charge for installation because technicians drive long distances to install satellite dishes.

Finding Rural Internet Near You

If you’re on the hunt for the best rural internet options, it’s crucial to know all your choices before making a decision. That’s where our tools come in. By using our address search or city/zip code search features, you can quickly and easily discover which ISPs are available near you.

Our tools provide a comprehensive list of providers sorted by download speeds and customer reviews specific to your location. This means you’re not just getting generic information – you’re getting data that’s tailored to your exact address or area. Whether you’re looking for the fastest speeds or the best-rated service, our search tools will help you find an option that fits your needs.

Don’t leave your internet choice to chance. Use our tools to ensure you’re getting the best possible service for your rural location.

Wrapping Up Your Rural Internet Search

Finding high-speed internet in rural areas can feel like a daunting task, but with the right tools and information, you can navigate your options confidently. Whether you’re leaning toward satellite, fixed wireless, 4G/5G home internet, DSL, or cable, the key is to assess what’s available in your area and match it to your specific needs.

Remember, our address search and city/zip code search tools are here to help you cut through the clutter and find the best ISPs near you. By exploring customer reviews and understanding the pros and cons of each internet type, you can make an informed decision that ensures you stay connected, no matter where you are.

Don’t settle for subpar internet just because you live in a rural area. Use the resources available to you and take control of your internet experience. With the right provider, you can enjoy reliable, high-speed internet that meets your needs today and in the future.