Rural Broadband: Finding the Best Rural Internet Providers in 2023

Matthew Harrington
Internet Provider Comparisons

If you want to get a high-speed internet connection, look no further than your satellite dish. Faster than dial-up internet and more accessible than fiber internet, satellite internet brings you more internet options even if you live in a remote area.

Everything you need to know about satellite internet with HomeLinkd

HomeLinkd offers an easy way to find and compare satellite internet connections as well as providers. We aim to provide you with the widest selection of TV and internet brands, all the information you need on what’s available in your area —and how to make the best home security choices for your unique needs.

What is a geostationary satellite?

A geostationary satellite is a type of satellite that orbits the earth at the same speed and direction as the earth's rotation. This allows the satellite to remain in the same position relative to the ground, making it ideal for communications purposes.

Geostationary satellites are commonly used for television, radio, and internet transmissions, as they can provide continuous coverage over a large area. They are also used for weather forecasting and monitoring, as well as for military applications.

How does satellite TV work?

Satellite internet works by beaming a signal from a ground-based station up to a satellite in space. The satellite then relays the signal back down to your home, where it’s received by a dish antenna. This technology has come a long way in recent years, and is now able to provide high-speed internet service to even the most remote locations.

What are the benefits of satellite internet?

Satellite internet is a great option for rural areas or for anyone who wants an alternative to cable or DSL. Satellite internet is available almost anywhere, and speeds can be fast enough for most activities, including streaming video and gaming.

What are the cons of satellite internet?

The biggest drawback of satellite internet is that it can be expensive. Installation costs can also be high, and weather can sometimes interfere with the signal.

What are the satellite internet speeds like?

With speeds up to 100mbps, satellite internet doesn't slow you down.

List of major satellite internet providers

- Viasat

- HughesNet

- WildBlue

- Exede

What are the best satellite internet providers of 2023?

The best satellite internet providers offer fast speeds, low prices, and good customer service. Our top picks are Viasat and HughesNet.

Viasat is one of the largest satellite internet providers, and it offers a variety of plans with speeds up to 100 Mbps. Viasat also has no data caps, so you can use as much data as you want.

HughesNet is another large satellite provider that offers speeds up to 25 Mbps. HughesNet plans come with data caps, but they’re generous enough for most users.

If you’re looking for a smaller provider, we recommend WildBlue or Exede. Both of these providers offer speeds up to 12 Mbps, and they have good customer service.

Can I get satellite internet and TV in a rural area?

Yes, in fact, if you live in a rural area it may be one of your only options for internet access.

What does the average satellite internet data plan offer?

The average satellite internet plan offers around 10-20 GB of data per month. If you need more data, you can usually upgrade to a higher-tier plan for an additional fee.

Some satellite providers, like Viasat, also offer plans with unlimited data. So if you use a lot of data or have a lot of devices that use the internet, Viasat may be a good option for you.

Can I use satellite internet to stream?

Yes, you can use satellite internet to stream. In fact, satellite internet speeds are fast enough for most activities, including streaming video and gaming.

What is the cost of satellite internet?

The monthly bill for satellite internet will vary depending on the service and package you choose. However, satellite internet is usually a great value compared to other types of high-speed internet.

Satellite internet plans typically start at around $50 per month for basic service, with prices going up from there for more robust packages that offer higher speeds and more data. In comparison, cable internet plans can start at around $40 per month but go up to $100 or more for premium packages, while DSL plans can start as low as $20 per month but also top out around $100 or more for high-speed service.

What to consider when comparing satellite internet service providers

There are a few things you should keep in mind when you compare satellite internet providers:

Speed: The speed you need will depend on how you plan to use the internet. If you just want to browse the web and check email, you’ll need a slower speed. But if you want to stream video or play online games, you’ll need a faster speed.

Data caps: Some satellite providers have data caps, which means you’re limited in how much data you can use each month. If you plan to use the internet a lot, make sure to choose a provider with no data caps.

Customer service: It’s important to choose a satellite provider that has good customer service. That way, if you have any problems, you can get help from a real person.

No matter what your needs are, there’s a satellite internet provider that’s right for you. So take your time and compare your options to find the best fit.

How to find which satellite providers are available in your area

The first step is to enter your ZIP code into the HomeLinkd ZIP code checker. This will show you all of the satellite providers available in your area.

Once you’ve found a satellite provider that offers service in your area, the next step is to check availability. Most providers have an online availability checker that you can use. Simply enter your address and the checker will tell you if service is available.

If you’re still not sure which provider to choose, we recommend reading customer reviews. You can find reviews of satellite providers on HomeLinkd, as well as other sites like Consumer Reports and PCMag. Reading reviews will help you narrow down your options and choose the best provider for your needs.

Once you’ve decided on a provider, the next step is to sign up for service. Most providers will require you to pay a one-time installation fee, as well as a monthly fee for service. Be sure to ask about any promotions or discounts that may be available, such as discounts for bundling TV and internet service.

If you have any questions about satellite internet, or if you need help choosing a provider, please feel free to contact us. Our team of experts would be happy to assist you.

What equipment do I need for satellite internet?

In order to get satellite internet, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment. First, you’ll need a satellite dish. This is usually installed on your roof or in your yard.

You’ll also need a modem, which is provided by your internet service provider. The modem connects to your computer and allows you to access the internet.

You may also need a router, depending on your setup. The router connects to the modem and allows multiple devices to connect to the internet at the same time.

If you have any questions about the equipment you need for satellite internet, be sure to contact your provider. They can help you figure out what you need and how to set it up.

Compare the best satellite internet plans with HomeLinkd

If you’re considering satellite internet for your home, be sure to compare plans and providers using HomeLinkd. We offer a free online tool that makes it easy to find and compare the best satellite internet plans in your area. Simply enter your zip code and we’ll show you a list of providers and plans available in your area, along with pricing information and key details about each option.

To get started, visit us at HomeLinkd.com today!

Life in the countryside is beautiful, you're surrounded by greenery and rolling hills, you don't wake up to the hustle and bustle of city life, and you get to enjoy some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

But all of that comes at a price for some - the price of a good internet connection.

Let's face it, there's a lot left to be desired when it comes to home internet options in rural communities - but all is not lost!

We've done the research, and found that there are still a few great internet plans and providers out in the country to ensure you stay connected.

Read on and we delve deeper into internet options that's available in rural areas.

What is Rural Broadband Internet Service?

Rural broadband is a high-speed internet connection that's available in more rural and remote areas.

It's designed to bring faster speeds to those who live outside of major cities, making it easier for them to connect to the internet and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.

What Internet Speeds Are Available in Rural Areas?

The average internet speeds in the US is around 18 Mbps - but rural areas often see speeds that are much lower than that.

That being said, there are still some great options out there for those who want a fast and reliable connection.

We have some great options from providers like HughesNet and Viasat that offer speeds reaching 100 Mbps.

What Are The Options For Internet In A Rural Area?

There are a few different options when it comes to choosing an internet provider in a rural area.

Rural DSL Internet

One option is to get a Rural DSL connection. This type of connection uses your home's existing phone line to deliver fast speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

The benefit of this type of connection is that it's widely available across the US - making it a great option for those who live in more rural areas.

Satellite Internet

Another option for those in rural areas is satellite internet. Satellite internet uses a dish installed on your home to connect you to the internet.

This type of connection is great for those who live in more remote areas as it doesn't require any ground-based infrastructure, making it widely available.

The downside of satellite internet is that there can be some lag time due to the distance the signal has to travel - but speeds of up to 100 Mbps are available with this type of connection.

Fixed Wireless Internet

An alternative to satellite internet, fixed wireless internet is another great option for those in rural areas. This type of connection uses an antenna installed on your home to connect you to the internet.

The benefit of this type of connection is that it's very fast - with speeds of up to 25 Mbps available. The downside is that it can be more expensive than other types of connections and it's not as widely available.

4G LTE

The last option for those in rural areas is 4G LTE home internet. This type of connection uses your home's existing cell signal to connect you to the internet.

The benefit of this type of connection is that it's very fast - with speeds of up to 100 Mbps available. The downside is that it can be expensive and it's not as widely available.

Who Are The Best Rural Internet Providers?

ISPs in rural areas have a wide coverage area with fast upload and download speeds - although not as fast as cable or fiber.

Here's our list of the best rural providers:

Rise Broadband

Rise Broadband is one of the largest fixed wireless providers in the US and offers speeds of up to 25 Mbps. They offer service in 18 states across the US, making them a great option for those in rural areas.

Viasat

Viasat is a satellite internet provider that offers speeds of up to 100 Mbps. They offer service in all 50 states, making them an excellent option for those in rural communities.

HughesNet

HughesNet is a satellite internet provider that offers speeds of up to 25 Mbps. They offer services in all 50 states, making them widely accessible to everyone.

StarLink Internet

StarLink Internet is a new satellite internet provider that offers speeds of up to 100 Mbps. They offer service in all 50 states and are quickly becoming one of the best options for those in rural areas.

What Are The Prices For Rural Broadband Internet?

Rural broadband prices can vary depending on the type of connection you choose and the provider you go with.

DSL: $20 - $50/month

Satellite: $40 - $100/month

Fixed Wireless: $60 - $80/month

4G LTE: $70 - $150/month

Top Picks For Rural Internet Options

HughesNet

Availability: Nationwide

Price: Starting from $55 per month

Max Speed: 25 Mbps

Features: Bundle options, no hard data limits, off-peak data included in some plans

Viasat

Availability: Nationwide

Price: Starting from $50 per month

Max Speed: 100 Mbps

Features: No data cap, military and veteran discounts available

StarLink Internet

Availability: Nationwide

Price: Starting from $99 per month

Max Speed: 100 Mbps

Features: Free installation with 2-year contract, no data cap

Rise Broadband

Availability: 18 states

Price: Starting from $35 per month

Max Speed: 25 Mbps

Features: No data limits

Will Internet Service In Rural Areas Improve?

The FCC has been working hard to improve broadband access in rural areas and has made it a priority to bring high-speed internet to everyone in the US.

The government has invested billions of dollars into expanding broadband access and is offering subsidies to providers who offer services in rural areas.

As a result of these efforts, we can expect to see increased availability and speeds of rural broadband in the coming years.

What Are The Downsides Of Rural Internet Service?

Latency

The biggest downside of rural internet is the latency. This is because the signal has to travel a greater distance to reach you, which can result in slower speeds.

Data Caps

Another downside of rural internet is data caps. Many providers impose data caps on their customers, which can be a problem if you use a lot of data.

Availability

The last downside of rural internet is availability. Many providers don't offer service in rural areas, so it can be hard to find a provider that offers service in your area.

What Are The Benefits Of Rural Internet Service?

There are many benefits of rural internet, despite the downsides.

One benefit is that you're not as reliant on infrastructure. This means that if there's a power outage, you're less likely to lose your internet connection.

Another benefit is that you have more options for providers. Because there are fewer people in rural areas, there are often more providers to choose from.

Lastly, the speeds of rural internet are often faster than urban internet. This is because there are fewer people using the same connection, so the speeds are often higher.

So, despite the downsides, there are many benefits of rural internet that make it a great option for those in rural areas.

Find The Best Rural Providers Available In Your Area With HomeLinkd

Getting access in rural areas just got a lot easier with HomeLinkd.

With nationwide providers, wireless connections and plans that offer truly unlimited data - you can get access to high-speed internet service even in rural areas.

Written by:
Matthew Harrington

I’m Matthew, your go-to tech enthusiast who loves diving deep into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of all things technology. My day job? Breaking down complex systems so you don’t have to! When I’m not geeking out over the latest gadgets, you’ll find me exploring new coding languages or reading about future tech trends. I believe every technical problem has a solution, and I’m here to guide you through them, step by step.

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