Rural Internet Providers in Kentucky: What to Consider Before Buying

The Status Quo of Broadband Rural Internet

For decades, rural Internet providers have given service that is lacking. DSL uses existing phone lines, which are aging, with speeds that cannot keep up with the modern Internet. Some providers still use dial-up, which is even slower than DSL.

Many modern Internet luxuries, such as streaming HD content, smart technologies, and video chatting, rely on broadband. The FCC defines broadband as having at least 25 MBPS (megabytes per second) download speed and 3 MBPS upload, which many rural Internet providers lack.

However, many faster options are coming. Fixed wireless Internet uses a tower, providing a quick, affordable, and reliable Internet connection. Satellite Internet providers, while unreliable, are getting better and can provide fast speeds to areas where a wired connection is impossible. Some rural regions even see access to fiber, which offers fast upload and download speeds.

Costs of Rural Internet Access

The cost of Internet for rural customers depends on what providers are available, what type of Internet connection they offer, and several other factors. Most rural Internet plans generally range from $20-$60 a month.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has an Affordable Connectivity Program, which can also help low-income households have access to the Internet.

Challenges of Providing Rural Broadband

As many urban areas have access to fast Internet service, many in rural areas are questioning why bringing high-speed Internet to their communities is so challenging. Here are some reasons why bringing rural broadband access to some communities is difficult.

Distance

Rural areas tend to have homes that are much more spread out. It is easier for Internet providers to work in urban areas, where the buildings are close together, and in suburban areas. However, longer distances mean providing broadband service to all homes is more difficult.

Cost

While many want the Internet to be treated as a public utility, Internet companies are for profit. As a result, they see rural communities as lacking in a profit incentive, with the cost to install fast Internet much higher than any potential profit.

Speed

Another challenge is that, as technology rapidly evolves, there is a need for faster speeds every few years. Many rural companies do not have the capabilities to consistently upgrade their Internet speeds in remote areas, making many rural Americans lack access to fast Internet.

Infrastructure

Quite often, rural areas lack the infrastructure. For example, they may not have a power grid strong enough to handle faster Internet. There may also be issues around the area’s natural infrastructure, especially in mountainous areas.

Population Density

Since rural areas have a low population density, it can be difficult for companies to bring the Internet in a way that satisfies the population while not also being overly spread out.

Regulations

There may be many regulations in building a new network for rural customers. Making trenches is not only costly, but there is much legal tape that a company has to deal with, which most do not want to handle.

Mapping Policies

Often, there are mapping issues when it comes to the FCC’s reporting on which areas have broadband. Many tribal lands have less access to broadband due to how they operate, which may delay broadband availability in those regions.

While these challenges are present, the government and many companies are trying to bridge the digital divide by providing broadband access, be it fixed wireless Internet, 5G, or fiber.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Rural Internet Service Provider

If broadband is in your area, here’s what you should know before you seal the deal with any company.

Internet Service Quality: Speed and Reliability

You want a company that meets the minimum standard for broadband, which is 25 MBPS download and 3 MBPS upload speeds. However, you may need more speed depending on what you use the Internet for and how many devices your home will use. For example, if your job requires you to upload large files, three megabytes may not be enough. In addition, you want an Internet that will be reliable and not go down because of the weather.

Cost of High-Speed Internet Access

Be sure you know how much you pay before choosing a provider. Some providers may claim they have how monthly costs. However, they may have an expensive upfront fee and have low data caps. If you surpass these data caps, that low cost may become a high cost quickly.

Ideally, you’ll want a service provider with a fair price and unlimited data. When you’re streaming video or online gaming, your data caps may run out quickly.

Provider Reputation

Does the Internet service provider have good reviews? What do your friends or family have to say about them? You may want to look elsewhere if the provider has a bad reputation. Sometimes, you may need to choose between the lesser of two evils, especially if your only choice is large corporations.

Customer Support

How well does the provider deal with customers who have issues? Is reaching a human being a nightmare, or is it simple to call customer service, explain your problem, and have them reach your home in a reasonable time?

Again, this mainly depends on the size of the provider. Smaller Internet providers may have a closer connection with their customers, while larger providers may make it difficult to speak to someone.

Looking for a High-Speed Internet Service Provider in Kentucky?

Kentucky has had challenges with providing rural broadband Internet to its customers. Broadlinc, a company for Kentuckians by Kentuckians, saw this issue and knew we could do better.

We provide rural broadband Internet to many communities across the Bluegrass State. We use fixed wireless and cable Internet to bring fast speeds to rural areas, letting you enjoy everything the Internet offers. Fixed wireless only needs one tower and a wireless receiver in your home. You can receive broadband speeds as long as your home is within range and has no obstructions. In addition, we have TV and phone packages available, and we can customize a package according to your business needs.

We are expanding to many Kentucky counties, with more service areas added as time goes on. You can visit our website to check availability in your area and contact us if you’re interested. We want to connect you to the fastest Internet speeds available.