The best internet service providers in rural Mississippi
Matthew Harrington
November 13, 2024
Mississippi - the 42nd most well-connected state in the US, consists of urban and rural areas.
Finding a decent internet provider can seem like a nightmare if you're from rural Mississippi. But with this comprehensive guide on internet access in rural areas, the best providers to choose from, and how you can speed up a slow internet connection - you'll be connected in no time.
Read on to find out how you can get access to fast internet even in rural Mississippi.
Internet in Mississippi State (MS)
In 2022, about 91% of the population in Mississippi had access to broadband internet speeds reaching 25 Mbps or above. To date, the most common types of internet connection available in the more urban areas consist of cable and DSL, with fiber available in only selected metropolitan areas. In the more rural areas, satellite and DSL services are much more prominent.
When we look at the average Wi-Fi speed in Mississippi, it is around 20 Mbps. However, this number differs from region to region of the state and whether you're in urban or rural.
In general, most people can get by with an internet speed of 10-15 Mbps for basic activities like checking email and browsing the web. However, if you want to do more data-intensive activities like streaming HD videos or gaming, you will need an internet speed of at least 25 Mbps.
There are a total of 34 internet providers available in the state, including AT&T, CenturyLink, and Cox Communications.
An overview of wireless internet in the rural parts of Mississippi
There are many reasons why people living in rural areas might not have access to broadband internet, including the lack of infrastructure and the high cost of installation.
One way to get around this is to use a wireless internet connection, which uses radio waves to connect your devices to the internet. This can be done either through a home network using a router or through a mobile hotspot device that uses a cellular data signal.
Wireless internet is not as reliable as a wired connection, and the speeds can be slower. However, it is much easier to set up and does not require any special equipment or installation.
High-speed internet types available in rural areas in Mississippi
Satellite internet
Satellite internet is one of the most common types of high-speed internet available in rural areas. It uses a dish to connect to a satellite orbiting earth and then transmits the signal back down to your home.
The main advantage of satellite internet is that it is available almost anywhere due to the satellite's wide coverage area, even in the most remote areas. However, it can be expensive, and the speeds can be slow.
DSL internet
DSL, or digital subscriber line, is a type of internet that uses your existing phone line to connect to the internet. It is widely available in most areas, but the speeds can vary depending on how far you are from the nearest DSL connection point.
DSL can be a good option for people who want a fast connection but don't want to pay for a more expensive option like fiber or satellite.
5G mobile internet
5G is the next generation of mobile wireless internet, and it is beginning to roll out in select areas. It offers much faster speeds than previous generations, and it is also more reliable.
Dial-up internet
Dial-up internet is currently the slowest type of internet available, and it uses your phone line to connect to the internet. Dial-up is available in rural areas, due to its low cost and easy installation, but the speeds are very slow and it is not recommended for anything other than basic web browsing.
Internet service providers available in rural Mississippi
Here are our top picks for the best internet service providers (ISP) in rural Mississippi:
Viasat Satellite Internet
Formerly Exede, Viasat is one of the biggest satellite internet providers and is available in many rural areas, including Mississippi. It offers various plans with speeds of up to 100 Mbps. You will receive the best internet experience with Viasat if you have a clear view of the southern sky.
Viasat is great because:
It is widely available across the country.
Provides some of the highest speeds available in rural areas.
Comes with no data overage fees.
The company is continuously improving its download speeds.
You can bundle your internet with home phone services as well.
Some of the downsides of Viasat are:
The plan prices are higher than other providers.
Internet users can experience high latency and service disruption (but this occurs with most satellite connections).
HughesNet
HughesNet is another satellite internet provider available in Mississippi. It offers reliable speeds of up to 25 Mbps, and different plans to choose from.
Some of the pros of HughesNet are:
Reliable internet connection across most areas.
There are no hard data caps.
Easy installation process.
A few of the cons associated with HughesNet are:
HughesNet offers higher internet prices compared to Viasat.
There is a 2-year contract required, so you will be eligible for early termination fees if you cancel your service early.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink provides DSL internet access in Mississippi. They also provide different internet plans and speeds going up to 100Mbps.
Advantages of CenturyLink include:
No data caps.
Fast speeds with low throttle.
Fairly priced cable internet plans.
A few disadvantages of this service are:
There is a 12-month contract required, so you will be charged early termination fees if you cancel your service before the year is up.
What to look for in an internet plan
The internet speed you're getting
The first thing you need to consider when choosing an internet plan is how fast you need your connection to be. The speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps), and the higher the number, the faster your connection will be.
For general web browsing and streaming video, you will need a minimum of 3 Mbps. However, if you want to do things like download large files or play online games, you will need a much higher speed - at least 25 Mbps.
To figure out what speed you need, take a look at how you use the internet and what activities you do most often. If you are only using it for basic tasks, 3 Mbps should be sufficient. But if you are doing more data-intensive activities, you will need a much faster connection.
Unlimited data or data cap
If you use the internet for data-intensive things, ensure that you look for an unlimited data plan. Many providers will advertise “unlimited data”, but there are usually limits in the fine print.
Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your agreement so that you know exactly what is included in your plan. You don't want to be surprised by hidden fees or data overage charges.
Price
Of course, you also need to consider price when choosing an internet plan. The good news is that there are many affordable options available, even in rural areas.
To get the best deal, compare the prices of different providers and choose the one that fits your budget. Remember to also factor in any additional fees, such as installation charges or equipment rental fees. HomeLinkd can help you do just that! Visit our website to find and compare different deals from different providers with ease.
Availability in your area
Another important consideration is whether or not high-speed internet is available in your area. And what type of internet connection is available. In many rural areas, broadband access is limited.
Before you sign up for a plan, be sure to check the availability in your area. You can do this by entering your zip code on HomeLinkd's website to see which internet providers and connection types are available in your area.
Contract length
Finally, you need to think about the length of the contract. Most providers will require you to sign a 1-2 year contract. This means that you will be charged early termination fees if you cancel your service before the contract is up.
Be sure to read the terms of your agreement carefully so that you understand all of the fees involved. You don't want to be stuck in a contract that you can't afford to get out of.
5 tips to increase your internet speed at home
Once you have chosen the perfect internet plan for your needs, here are a few things you can do to increase your speed and get the most out of your connection:
1. Use an Ethernet cable.
If you are using a wireless connection, switch to an Ethernet cable. This will provide a faster and more reliable connection.
2. Place your router in a central location.
To get the best possible signal, place your router in a central location in your home.
3. Get rid of interference.
If you have devices that use the same frequency as your router (such as microwaves or cordless phones), they can interfere with your signal and slow down your connection. Move these devices away from your router to reduce interference.
4. Update your router's firmware.
Router manufacturers often release updates that can improve speed and performance. Be sure to check for updates regularly and install them as they become available.
5. Limit the number of devices that are connected to your network.
The more devices that are connected to your network, the slower your connection will be. If possible, limit the number of devices that are using your internet at the same time.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are getting the best speed from your internet connection.
Get the best internet in rural Mississippi with HomeLinkd
Mississippi residents can rest assured they will be able to find the best rural internet options from multiple internet providers, thanks to HomeLinkd's comprehensive guide.
We understand that everyone's needs are different, which is why we offer a variety of plans from different providers. Whether you're looking for the fastest speeds or the most affordable prices, we can help you find the perfect plan for your home internet.
Our team of experts has scoured the internet to bring you the most up-to-date and accurate information on rural internet options in Mississippi.
Enjoy fast high-quality internet connectivity in Mississippi today. Find the perfect internet plan for your home with HomeLinkd.
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.
Discover the Best Plans for You
We have a wide selection of plans to choose from, so you can find and select the perfect one to suit your needs.
There's a deal for with fast, reliable and secure internet. With dozens of plans and bundle offer to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice.
CenturyLink is your trusted provider of internet, home phone, and TV services. Whether you're at home or on the go, CenturyLink offer fast and reliable internet.
AT&T offer you a variety of options to get the high-quality services you require, including DSL, fiber optic and fixed wireless networks, streaming and satellite TV services, and extensive 5G coverage.