How To Boost Internet In Rural Areas

In today’s digital age, it seems that everything we touch is connected to the internet. For many people, internet access is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Unfortunately, internet access that works well and has a usable speed and data rate can be hard to find for people who live in rural locations. Using existing telephone lines doesn’t cut it anymore.

The reality is that many rural residents still struggle with limited access or no stable internet connection. Let’s explore some of these issues and find ways to access high-speed internet in rural areas.

The Challenges of Having Internet in Rural Areas

If you live in the country, chances are you don’t have the same access to a reliable internet connection as people who live in highly populated areas.  Without reliable connectivity, individuals are forced to seek out local Wi-Fi hotspots, which can be inconvenient and unreliable.

Factors to Consider When Using Public Wi-Fi:

•  Signal Strength: Check the signal strength of available networks before connecting.
•  Data Limits: Be mindful of data limits, especially with mobile hotspots.
•  Security: Use secure connections, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), when accessing sensitive information on public networks.
•  Cost: Some options may have associated costs, so consider the affordability of each solution. The problem is that finding and using Wi-Fi hotspots is not a sustainable solution. It’s only a short-term fix. Stable internet access is the ultimate solution.

Sparse Population Density

A primary challenge of providing fixed wireless or cable internet access in rural areas is the sparse population density. Unlike cities or suburbs with dense populations, rural communities are often far from major internet hubs. And the more distance there is in-between us and our technology, the bigger the problems are. This distance leads to slower internet speeds, weakened signals, and increased latency.

Physical Geography

The physical geography of rural areas presents another obstacle to reliable internet connectivity. Mountains, dense woods, rocky canyons, and deep valleys can interfere with wireless signals, making it challenging to provide internet access. Additionally, running wires underground becomes complicated in rugged and very remote terrains. These natural barriers hinder the efficient delivery of rural internet services.

Lack of Competition

An often overlooked factor contributing to poor internet access in rural areas is the lack of competition among service providers. In urban areas, multiple providers often compete against each other, leading to better services at affordable prices. In the middle of nowhere, you won’t be able to choose the best internet service provider.

This lack of competition by local providers can deter investment in infrastructure upgrades and improvements, resulting in higher prices. Encouraging more providers to enter rural markets could lead to better services and increased affordability.

Affordability

Even when broadband internet is available in rural areas, affordability remains a significant issue. The economic truth is, that the further out cable or fiber optics need to be run, the more it will cost the end user. However, the median income in rural communities tends to be lower, making it challenging for households to afford high-speed internet plans. Narrowing the price gap is important for ensuring that everyone has equal access to the internet.

Technical Restrictions

Running miles of cable or fiber optic cable for a digital subscriber line is not cost-effective for many internet providers. Consequently, alternative solutions that wouldn’t offer the same level of speed and dependability would be required. In rural locations, providing a decent degree of high-speed internet connection necessitates striking a balance between technological advancements and practical implementation.

Regulation Obstacles

The rural broadband gap remains a significant challenge, impacting communities’ access to essential online services. However, new regulations from Washington, particularly those under the cloak of “net neutrality,” could result in further obstacles to the progress of rural broadband expansion. These regulations, while intending to ensure fair access to the internet, might inadvertently slow down or impede the ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide in rural areas of the country.

New Technologies for Rural Connectivity

In the quest to boost internet access in rural areas, emerging technologies offer promising solutions. Satellite internet, fixed wireless internet, and 5G hold the potential to bring broadband to regions where traditional wired infrastructure is impractical or cost-prohibitive. These technologies can bypass the limitations of physical infrastructure, offering faster and more reliable connectivity to remote communities.

How to Boost Your Internet Speed in a Rural Area

Whether you’re uploading big files or using multiple devices, boosting your internet speed is one of the best things you can do. Improving internet speed in rural areas requires strategic placement of routers and understanding the factors affecting signal strength. By following these steps, you can learn how to boost internet in rural areas.

Internet Bonding

Also known as channel joining, this process merges several weaker internet connections into a single, stronger one to improve performance and speed. By joining multiple signals, there are no limits on the combinations that can be made. 5G can be linked to DSL, fiber optic cable, cable, or other technologies. It’s even possible to connect multiple 5G signals from different providers. Seek out the available software that can link all your computer’s internet connections together to make your internet speed faster.

Use a Cellular Network Signal Booster

A cellular network signal booster is a device designed to improve your mobile internet reception by enhancing weak cellular signals. It typically consists of three main components: an outdoor receiver, an amplifier, and an indoor antenna. The outdoor receiver captures the weak signal, which is then amplified to increase its strength.

This stronger signal is broadcasted within a specified area through the indoor antenna, which is connected by coaxial cables to the other components. By boosting the signal in this manner, internet speeds in rural homes can significantly improve, providing residents with better access to online resources.

Add a Wi-Fi Extender

A Wi-Fi extender can operate in two modes: Repeater and Access Point. In Repeater mode, the extender wirelessly connects to your existing router to rebroadcast the Wi-Fi signal. In Access Point mode, it connects to the router via an Ethernet cable, creating a new Wi-Fi network. This is particularly useful in larger homes or areas where the Wi-Fi signal weakens because of distance or physical barriers.

Use 5GHz Wi-Fi

Switching to a 5GHz Wi-Fi band can significantly enhance your internet speed, especially if your current speeds are slow. Unlike the more commonly used 2.4GHz band, 5GHz offers faster data rates at shorter distances. It’s worth noting, however, that the 5GHz band can also be congested and susceptible to interference from radar and other electronic devices. To switch bands, you can manually adjust your router’s settings, assign names to each frequency, and connect to the faster 5GHz network.

Move Your Router

The location of your router can greatly affect your speed and signal strength. Routers should be placed in an open space, away from walls, furniture, and appliances that might obstruct the signal. Avoid placing your router near devices that emit electromagnetic waves, such as microwaves, baby monitors, and Bluetooth speakers, as these can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. If possible, position your router centrally to ensure even distribution of the Wi-Fi signal throughout your home.

Restart Your Router

A simple yet effective way to enhance your internet speed is by restarting your router. This process, also known as power cycling, can resolve issues causing lag and slow connections. To perform a power cycle, unplug your router from the wall outlet, wait about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. This resets the router’s internal memory and can help clear up connection problems, providing a fresh start for your home network.

Update Your Router Firmware

Routers function as the essential hubs in our home networks, directing digital traffic between devices and the broader internet. These devices are powered by specialized software known as firmware, which manages and controls the router’s operations. Over time, manufacturers release firmware updates to enhance functionality, patch security vulnerabilities, and sometimes, even increase performance.

Remove Unnecessary Devices

Every router has its limits on the number of devices it can effectively manage at once. When multiple devices connect to a router, it can overload its capacity, leading to decreased internet speeds and increased latency. It’s advisable to regularly audit your network and disconnect any devices that are not in use.

By limiting your network to only essential devices, you can free up bandwidth for activities that require more data, such as streaming videos, attending video calls, or playing online games.

Invest in a New Router

If you are experiencing consistently poor performance from your internet connection, it may be time to upgrade your router. Technology in this field advances rapidly, and older models may not support newer standards or frequencies that enhance internet speed and reliability. Newer models often support advanced features like dual-band connectivity and smart channel selection, which can help to optimize the internet speed across your household.

Consider Switching to a New Internet Service Provider

If your current provider fails to deliver adequate speeds or reliability, it may be worth exploring alternative providers who specialize in rural internet services.

The Importance of Internet Access in Rural Areas

High-speed internet access is not just a convenience; it’s a vital tool for rural communities to thrive. By providing internet access, these areas can attract businesses and entrepreneurs seeking affordable locations. This influx of businesses leads to job creation and economic growth, improving the overall prosperity of rural areas.

Enhancing Home Wi-Fi with Mesh Networks by Plume

As our reliance on Wi-Fi network coverage grows, limited internet access from traditional single-router setups cannot cope with the challenge. This is where mesh networks, and specifically the Plume HomePass system offered by Broadlinc, stand out as the solution to your Wi-Fi woes.

Unlike traditional routers, which broadcast Wi-Fi from a single point, mesh networks employ multiple modules, or nodes, to create a network of Wi-Fi coverage. This intelligent system ensures that whether you are streaming a cooking tutorial in the kitchen or attending a video conference from your living room, the internet experience will remain consistent and reliable for multiple users.

Benefits of Plume HomePass:

1. Adaptive Wi-Fi: Plume’s technology adapts to the specific needs of your home environment, considering factors like room layout, device locations, and daily internet usage. This results in superior Wi-Fi that is tailored to your living space.

2. Enhanced Connectivity: Move freely around your home without the fear of being disconnected. Whether it’s printing documents from another room or watching videos outside, Plume ensures your Wi-Fi signal is strong and stable.

3. Comprehensive Control: The Plume system comes with an easy-to-use app that lets users control which devices are connected and monitor their internet usage. Parental controls and guest access are also easy to manage.

4. Tough Security: Plume HomePass includes advanced security features that protect your network and personal information from cyber threats. Continuous monitoring and automatic updates keep your network safe.

5. Future-Proof: As your family’s needs grow and change, so does Plume’s functionality. Regular updates and new features mean your home Wi-Fi system evolves, providing lasting value and superior performance.

How is Broadlinc Different Than Other Internet Service Providers?

Our mission is to provide the highest customer care, products, and services. As a result, we ensure customer satisfaction and gain the confidence of the communities we serve.

Our business philosophy is to provide the best possible services at a competitive price, with the most stable and dependable products on the market. Since we are locally owned and operated, our goal is to provide our customers with the most prompt, courteous, personal, and friendly service you would expect from your neighbor.

How Can Broadlinc Help Boost Your Internet Connection?

Our internet service gives you exactly what you need: reliably fast speeds with the most coverage in your home, so everyone can be online and connected across multiple devices at once. Our over 400-mile cable/fiber network reaches across Kentucky, and our fixed wireless product reaches farther, providing speeds that rival DSL and are far superior to satellite options.

Conclusion

Internet access is a gateway to opportunities for rural communities. While challenges exist, various options, such as Wi-Fi hotspots, public networks, and mobile hotspots can help bridge the gap. By leveraging these resources and considering important factors like signal strength and security, individuals in rural areas can stay connected and access the benefits of the digital world.

Contact us HERE for more information.