In an era where digital connectivity is paramount, finding reliable internet solutions for rural areas remains a challenge despite advancements in technology. However, a growing array of options caters specifically to rural communities.
Our guide explores the top rural internet providers for 2024, highlighting their reliability, speed, and coverage. Whether you're nestled in a remote countryside or a small town, these providers offer solutions to bridge the digital divide and keep you connected to the online world.
Among the limited options prevailing in rural areas due to the scarcity of providers willing to expand networks into smaller towns, Xfinity, CenturyLink, T-Mobile, and Viasat stand out for extending their services to rural America, providing viable internet solutions for rural areas.
What Internet Options are Available for Rural Areas?
Several rural internet solutions are available, though availability may vary by location.
- Cable internet
- DSL
- Satellite internet
- Cellular hotspot
- Dial-up
Commonly accessible internet solutions for rural areas include cable, DSL, and satellite. While options like cellular hotspot internet (which can be expensive) and dial-up (which persists) are also present, our focus lies on satellite, DSL, and cable connections. Fiber internet is excluded, as it remains rare even in many urban areas.
Compare the Leading Rural Internet Providers
1. Xfinity: Top choice for rural cable internet
The best wifi internet for rural areas option often comes in the form of cable, and Xfinity leads the pack with its extensive availability. With coaxial lines spanning 40 states, particularly well-covered in the Rockies region, Xfinity, a Comcast-owned company, stands out.
While cable internet is scarce in rural areas, if it's accessible in your zip code, especially if it's Xfinity, we highly recommend it. Rural Xfinity coverage offers access to nearly all of their internet plans, with maximum download speeds reaching 1.2 Gbps.
Enter your zip code below to see if Xfinity is available in your region
2. CenturyLink: Top choice for rural DSL internet
CenturyLink DSL extends its wifi internet for rural areas across 16 states, with a significant presence in rural areas of the Northwest and Midwest. Given the wider availability of phone lines compared to cable in rural regions, DSL connections are more common. We favor CenturyLink DSL for its reasonable monthly fee and extensive coverage.
With a flat rate of $55 per month and no contracts or price hikes to worry about, it offers affordability and peace of mind. However, as with most DSL providers, your maximum download speed depends on CenturyLink's network capabilities in your vicinity, ranging from 15 Mbps to 100 Mbps. While CenturyLink's speed consistency may vary, its flat-rate pricing makes it a solid choice if available in your area.
Enter your zip code below to see if CenturyLink is available in your region
3. T-Mobile Home Internet: Top choice for mobile internet
T-Mobile is a major player in the home mobile internet market, catering to households that rely on cellular data networks for online connectivity. With T-Mobile Home Internet for rural areas, pricing is straightforward with a one-size-fits-all approach ranging from $40.00 to $60.00 per month, sans annual price hikes or data caps.
Moreover, bundling it with an eligible T-Mobile mobile plan slashes an extra $20 off the monthly bill. Unlike cable providers, T-Mobile doesn't require physical installation; proximity to a T-Mobile cell tower suffices. However, your internet quality hinges on T-Mobile's coverage in your area. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet for rural areas offers download speeds up to 245 Mbps, but without 5G availability, you'll have to settle for slower T-Mobile 4G home internet coverage.
Enter your zip code below to see if T-Mobile is available in your region
4. Viasat: Top choice for rural satellite internet
The advantage of satellite internet lies in its independence from land-wired infrastructure, making it accessible to anyone with an unobstructed view of the sky.
While satellite internet is reliable for TV service , its internet capability lags behind DSL, with potential disruptions due to factors like distance or weather. Despite delivering high-quality TV signals, satellite dishes transmit only a fraction of that signal for internet service, in stark contrast to the performance parity seen with cable TV and the internet.
Viasat offers wifi internet for rural areas and boasts download speeds of up to 150 Mbps (megabytes per second), rivaling some of the fastest DSL rates. This means you can seamlessly stream shows and movies on multiple devices while browsing the internet simultaneously.
Which Provider is the Best For Rural Areas?
Each of the rural internet providers mentioned above offers unique advantages tailored to different needs and circumstances. Xfinity stands out for its widespread cable coverage and high download speeds. CenturyLink provides reliable DSL options with competitive pricing and extensive availability in rural areas.
T-Mobile Home Internet for rural areas offers flexibility and simplicity, particularly beneficial for those seeking mobile connectivity without the need for physical installation. Viasat's satellite internet service is a viable option for remote locations, offering access to high-speed internet where traditional options may not be available.
If you live in one of these rural areas, we have your back!
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual requirements, location, and preferences. Enter your zip code below to view available services in your area.