How to Get Internet in Rural Areas

What Reasons Would I Need Rural Internet Service?

Having reliable Internet service in rural areas is vital in today’s society. Here are some reasons why rural communities need fast Internet connections.

Everyday Needs (Entertainment, socializing, etc.)

Reliable rural Internet services are vital for everyday needs. Let’s look at some of them.

Working From Home 

In today’s world, a person can have a profitable job while living in the middle of nowhere, thanks to working from home. However, depending on the job, they need an Internet service provider that can keep up with video calls, upload large files, and visit multiple sites.

This fact applies to all types of businesses. For example, someone may want to start a rural business or be a farmer taking advantage of the latest smart technology. The best internet service provider can help with these tasks and more.

Entertainment 

Today’s entertainment relies on the Internet, such as streaming 4K movies and online gaming. However, most rural Internet providers lack the speed to do this. If you don’t have fast Internet, you may have to stream low-quality video, or be unable to game online due to the lag. Unfortunately, many rural areas cannot access fast Internet, meaning their entertainment options are limited.

Socializing and Staying Up-to-Date 

A reliable Internet connection can keep you up-to-date on current events and make it easier for you to speak to people outside your area. In addition, today’s socialization can involve voice and video calls, which fast wireless Internet service providers can give you. Without faster Internet, video calls can be dropped or have lower quality. However, with fast speeds, it’s almost like a person is there in the room with you.

Outliers/Off-grid people

If you’re living off-grid or in a secluded area, you may want the Internet. One option is a satellite Internet provider. Satellite Internet providers use satellite signals that you pick up through your receiver. A satellite is universal, so you can have high-speed Internet connections no matter where you are.

Travelers or RV Owners

Internet service providers offer mobile home Internet if you own an RV or travel a lot. For example, there are 5G Internet providers. This can also be the best rural Internet option, as they often provide unlimited data and decent signal. Often, travelers need the Internet for entertainment and GPS reasons.

Security and Communication

Many intelligent security options nowadays, including WiFi cameras, can keep a home safe. However, even living in a rural area, you may still be prone to burglars. The best rural Internet providers let you have a real-time service that lets you view your security devices.

What Internet Options Are Available To Those Living In A Rural Area?

What are your rural Internet options? It can depend on where you live, as some rural areas have more options than others. Let’s look at several rural Internet options you may have.

Fiber Optic

Fiber optic Internet is the fastest Internet connection you can have. It uses fiber optic cables, giving upload and download speeds of over 1 gbps, or 1 gigabits per second. With fiber optic, you can do almost anything with your Internet connection, and you don’t need to worry about having too many devices in your room.

Unfortunately, fiber optic Internet is not available in many rural areas. However, this is quickly changing, with some rural Internet options being fiber optic. Do some research, as you may get lucky. Then, you can have lightning-fast rural Internet.

4G Mobile Broadband

This rural Internet option comes from a 4G cell tower. You use a receiver to access the Internet, and there are often unlimited data plans, too. An advantage of 4G is that it can be a reliable connection if you are a traveler or live near a cell tower.

In addition, the download speeds can be decent, with some reaching over 100 Mbps. However, there are faster rural Internet options, especially if you can access 5G cell service.

DSL

DSL Internet, or digital subscriber line, uses existing phone lines to give rural areas Internet access. It’s a common Internet type found in rural areas, with it being available for around 90% of the country. In addition, it can be a more affordable option for rural areas.

Unfortunately, DSL Internet can be slow. While the best rural DSL Internet options can go above 100 Mbps, most can only offer a few megabits, which can be a challenge for those working from home or wishing to stream high-quality video.

Satellite Internet

Satellite Internet service involves someone using a receiver to pick up satellite dish signals. People use satellite Internet because it covers the entire US. It can reach rural areas that a wired connection cannot reach. In addition, satellite Internet speeds are good, going from 12 to 150 Mbps. Satellite Internet works well with faster speeds, high data caps or unlimited data, and affordable prices depending on your service.

Starlink

Starlink is another type of Satellite Internet created by SpaceX. Like ordinary satellite Internet, it can reach rural residents faster, with an average of 85 Mbps. Starlink is quickly expanding, including global mobile phone service after 2023.

Fixed Wireless Internet

Regarding Internet for rural areas, one option is looking into a fixed wireless service. Fixed wireless providers use a tower, which beams a line-of-sight signal to your receiver.

Depending on where you live, a fixed wireless service can be fast. It is limited by where you live; if you live in a rugged area or a forest, the signal cannot reach you or may be slower. However, if you live close by or within its line of sight, it is possible to get download speeds almost on the level of fiber Internet. If a DSL connection isn’t for you, and if you don’t want satellite Internet, look into fixed wireless Internet. Fixed wireless is quickly becoming a more viable alternative than DSL, so see if fixed wireless is in your area.

What Factors Should I Consider When Picking a Rural Internet Provider

When choosing the best rural Internet providers, what options should you consider? Let’s look at several factors to think about when you’re looking for a rural Internet provider.

Speed

The most crucial factor when looking for the best rural Internet providers is knowing what speed they offer. Today’s Internet needs faster speeds unless you only want to use it minimally.

How much speed you need can depend on your needs. For example, if you plan on streaming 4K content, you need at least 25 MBPS, while full HD only requires 5. If you use multiple devices, you will need faster speeds, too.

Also, remember that to get the most out of your Internet, you may need to use ethernet cables or research to ensure that the ISP provides the speeds promised.

Data Caps

Data caps cover how much data you can use every month. If a person goes over the data cap, they may not be able to use the Internet further or be charged additional fees.

If you aren’t going to use the Internet often, a low data cap can help you save money. However, if you plan on using the Internet often and are doing high-demand tasks like streaming video, consider a higher or unlimited data cap. This way, you do not go over. The best rural Internet options will give you various caps, including unlimited data.

Availability

Finally, when searching for the best Internet providers, you must ensure they provide Internet service in your area. If they don’t, then you may be out of luck.

So, how do you know? One way is to do a quick Google search. You can see a coverage map if you find a local Internet provider. If you’re unsure, call the Internet network provider and see if they cover you.

In addition, some ISPs can install infrastructure in your area for a fee, such as bringing you DSL phone lines or installing fiber optic cables, but once again, you have to ask and see if that’s possible.

How To Find Rural Internet Providers

If you want faster Internet speeds, you need to do some research. However, if you’re in the rural Kentucky area, it is possible to find fast wireless Internet through Broadlinc.

Broadlinc is reaching out to provide reliable Internet options to those in rural communities. With their services, it is possible to obtain rural broadband to enjoy the modern conveniences the Internet offers.

Does Broadlinc Offer Internet In Rural Areas?

Broadlinc offers fixed wireless connections and other fast Internet options in rural areas in Kentucky. If you want to see where they offer coverage, you can visit your website, enter your information, and see if you qualify.

Even if you do not, Broadlinc is locally-owned, aiming to provide reliable fixed wireless Internet to all rural areas of Kentucky. So if you are not covered, it is still worth talking with them and seeing your options. Broadlinc is working hard to provide more rural Internet options that are fast and reliable.

Why Should You Choose Broadlinc As Your Internet Provider?

Broadlinc is locally-owned, meaning they recognize how vital it is to have high-speed Internet in rural communities. As a result, talking with them about your needs is simple. They offer fast Internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps, alongside other options.

What Services Does Broadlinc Offer Rural Areas?

Broadlinc offers fast Internet, with speeds up to 200 Mbps depending on the package you’ve chosen. In addition, Broadlinc offers digital phone line options as well.

With their digital phone service, you can have all the advantages of modern calling without the hassle of owning a smartphone.

Also, Broadlinc provides cable TV as well. You can have over 250 channels with high-quality video, and their cable packages are easily bundled.

In addition, Broadlinc offers packaged deals. If you run a business, you may have specific needs. With Broadlinc, it’s simple to contact them to explain what you need, and then Broadlinc can tell you what they offer. You can then customize a package to save money and remove anything unnecessary.

Conclusion

Finding a rural Internet provider is challenging, but you can have fast Internet in a rural community with faster options such as fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite.

If you are unsure what options are in the area, do some research. You can find fast Internet that lets you stream 4K videos, game online, and work from home. With today’s world more reliant on Internet, no one should be left behind, especially those living in rural areas.