Internet for rural areas
Rural homes have more choices than they did a few years ago. The right one depends on what physically reaches your property, so check in order from fastest to slowest.
- Check in this order: fiber, cable, fixed wireless, 5G home, low-orbit satellite, DSL, traditional satellite.
- The FCC National Broadband Map shows what providers report at your address.
- New fiber is being built in many rural counties. Ask what is planned.
1. Fiber, including co-ops
Electric and telephone cooperatives have built fiber across many rural counties. If one serves you, it is the best option by a wide margin. Ask your electric co-op, even if you have never thought of it as an internet company.
2. Cable
Cable sometimes extends a mile or two past the edge of town. If the line stops short of your driveway, the provider can quote the cost of extending it. That cost is occasionally shared or waived.
3. Fixed wireless
A local wireless provider with a tower in view can deliver 25 to 300 Mbps with low delay. A site survey confirms the signal. See fixed wireless.
4. 5G or 4G home internet
If your phone gets a strong signal at home, mobile-based home internet may work well. Placement of the gateway matters, and an approved external antenna can help in fringe areas.
5. Low-orbit satellite
Works nearly anywhere with open sky, at 50 to 250 Mbps and low delay. Equipment costs more up front. Check the obstruction tool before ordering if you have tall trees.
6. DSL
Worth having only if your line supports 25 Mbps or more. Many long rural lines do not.
7. Traditional satellite
The fallback. It reaches everywhere, but with high delay and data limits.
How to check your address
Enter your address at broadbandmap.fcc.gov to see which providers report service there and by what technology. The map is based on provider filings, so confirm with a phone call. Your state broadband office can tell you about funded construction on your road.
Common questions
What is the fastest internet for rural areas?
Fiber where a co-op or provider has built it. After that, fixed wireless or low-orbit satellite, depending on your location.
Can I get internet without a phone line or cable?
Yes. Fixed wireless, 5G home internet and satellite need neither.
Is there funding to bring internet to my road?
Federal and state programs are paying for rural construction. Your state broadband office publishes maps of funded areas.