If you live in a rural area, you may not have access to the same internet services found in larger cities. This can make online activities like streaming, gaming, learning and remote work more difficult or even impossible. We’re here to break down the most common rural internet options, how to get internet for your home and how to optimize your connection.
Fixed Wireless Internet: A Reliable Solution for Rural Areas
Fixed wireless retrieves signals from nearby radio towers to connect your home to the internet. Consistent speeds typically range from 30 to 150 Mbps but can reach over 200 Mbps. These typical speeds reduce lagging and buffering. Compared to other services, it’s the more affordable option and doesn’t have data limits, so you won’t be charged extra, and your connection won’t be interrupted no matter how much you use the internet. However, weather and other obstructions like trees and hills can impact performance and cause slower speeds.
Fiber-Optic Internet in Rural Areas: The Fastest Option
The latest innovation in connectivity uses light signals and fiber-optic cables to transmit data rather than electrical signals and copper cables. This allows speeds to reach up to 1 Gbps, ideal for high-bandwidth activities like multiplayer gaming, working from home and streaming video, and provides a steadier connection during nearly any foul weather. It’s also more secure as light signals are more difficult to intercept than electricity. Due to the cost and infrastructure requirements, fiber is less common in the country. Coverage is spreading quickly, so see if fiber is already available in your area.
Satellite Internet: Coverage in the Most Remote Areas
Since satellites constantly circle the globe, satellite internet is available almost everywhere. However, the long distance the signal has to travel makes connections quite slow. Cloud coverage, even if it’s minimal and high up in the atmosphere, can interfere with the signal and interrupt your connection. It’s also not cheap, and data caps drive up costs and impact speeds even more if you go over the limit. If available, it’s recommended to look into fixed wireless plans over satellite.
Mobile Hotspots: A Great Backup in Small Towns
If you have cell service at your home, you can use a mobile hotspot from your mobile carrier to connect to the internet. It’s also a great backup option if your broadband internet is unreliable. While a solid last resort, data limits are usually low and get very expensive if you go over them. It also may stop working completely if you exceed the strict overages. You are often limited to using one device connected to your hotspot and/or must add (at extra cost) hotspot service to your carrier’s plan.
How to Increase Internet Speed in Rural Areas
Optimizing your current internet can help reduce frustration from slow or unreliable service. Here are some tips to improve your speeds:
- Find the best router and radio placement: Move your router to a central location so it can reach as many devices in your home as possible. If using fixed wireless technology, allow the radio to be installed on your roof or other tall structure.
- Upgrade equipment: Contact your service provider to see if a new router model that enhances your connection is available.
- Use internet boosters or Wi-Fi extenders: If some rooms experience slow or nonexistent connections, use a booster or extender to improve speed and expand coverage.
- Limit bandwidth-heavy activities: Streaming, gaming and video conferencing take up lots of space on your network, impacting the performance of other connected devices. Removing devices not in use from the network will also increase speeds.
How to Set Up Internet in a Rural Area
Getting internet in remote regions isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Here’s the most efficient way to upgrade your connection:
- See what services are available near you with an online tool such as Mercury Broadband’s service finder.
- Explore the plans to find one that offers the speeds you need for your online activities and fits your monthly budget.
- Once you’ve confirmed the service and plan you need, schedule an installation appointment with a technician.
- After installation, set up and connect your devices to your new network to get started. If you need help, your technician can assist you.
Get High-Speed Internet in Rural Areas with Mercury Broadband
At Mercury Broadband, we’re committed to bringing high-speed, unlimited fixed wireless and fiber internet access to Midwestern communities often overlooked by other service providers. Explore our plans and see what services are available in your area to get started with faster, more reliable internet. For personalized advice on your options, contact us to learn how Mercury can keep you and your family connected.