Rural internet options and providers

Wondering how to get high-speed internet in rural areas?

Depending on the population and location of your community, you may have a number of providers to choose from, or there may only be one or two. Each type of internet listed below uses a different technology to deliver your service. The specific choices available to you will vary.

DSL uses a different frequency of phone lines to deliver "always-on" or broadband internet. Speeds usually range from 768 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps (Megabits per second), but in some areas can be even faster.

The pros of DSL include consistent service, low cost, and decent speeds. The cons include relatively inconsistent speeds and a lack of access in some areas.

Satellite internet uses a satellite link to transmit your internet traffic, and is available in every rural area.

Its benefits include nationwide availability and faster speeds than DSL and dialup. However, it has very high latency (ping) and can be relatively expensive, with low data caps usually imposed on customers.

Fixed wireless, or antenna-based internet, uses a special router that receives mobile internet (3G or 4G) signals, and creates a home wireless network that you can connect your devices to.

Its benefits include a lower cost compared to satellite, plus widespread availability and good overall speeds. However, as with any wireless signal, the connection is not 100% consistent, and it is often more expensive than other rural internet options.

Dial-up is the oldest form of internet technology used today. It uses telephone landlines to deliver internet service.

The top benefit of dial-up is that it is very cheap, and requires no special infrastructure beyond a phone line. However, it’s far slower than any other type of internet, with speeds of about 56 Kbps. In addition, you have to "dial up" or connect to the network every time you use it, and the internet connection blocks access to your phone line while it’s in use. This is only a realistic option if you only want to do simple web browsing and email.

Mobile internet uses a “hotspot” to deliver internet access via a mobile network through a provider like Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T or Sprint.

Mobile internet has benefits like high speeds, relatively consistent connections, and reasonably good coverage. However, it’s usually very expensive and has strict data caps.

Wondering what you should look for in your rural internet provider? Here are a few things to consider as you consider possible options in your rural area.

Is the network reliable and available in your area? You’ll want a consistent, highly available and reliable rural internet network. Check online ratings and reviews to see how each provider in your area stacks up.

Cheaper isn’t always better, especially if it means sacrificing consistent service. Consider the performance of each rural internet provider near you, and pick the one that gives you the best balance of speed, reliability and price. 

You’ll need at least 3 Mbps of bandwidth to watch streaming video and browse the internet fast – and up to 25 Mbps to watch 4K video, or watch videos on multiple devices. Get more information about what internet speed you need based on how you use your internet.

A data cap is a limit imposed by a service provider on the amount of data you can transfer over their network monthly. Typically there is a fee charged if you exceed that limit. Try to avoid services that have data caps, if possible. However, if you do settle on internet service that comes with a data cap, see if the service provider allows you to monitor your monthly usage to ensure you don't go over the limit. 

As time goes on, more rural Americans are getting access to high-speed internet through fiber-optic networks, fixed wireless and 5G internet. Each year brings improved access in rural communities across the country. 

Got questions about rural high-speed internet? We’ve got answers! 

At CenturyLink, we do our best to provide high-speed internet in rural areas. Visit our site and enter your address to see if our high-speed internet is available near you!

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