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Rural internet consists of internet service providers that cater to residents of remote areas. These providers go where metro internet providers can’t, specifically to serve those in rural areas. There are plenty of great options for rural homes if you know what to look for. To help with your search, we break down the best internet options and what each provider has to offer you.
Rural internet is best for those living in remote areas with limited options and availability. It may be challenging to find reliable, high-speed internet providers when you’re far from the city, but there are more options than you might think. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), over 99% of people in the US have access to at least 2 providers near them.
If you live in a rural area, your likely choices include satellite, DSL, and fixed wireless internet. These types of internet have improved a lot over the years, with several ISPs offering plans with unlimited data, no-contract options, and remote availability. Compare top rural providers below to see what’s right for you.
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download | Max Upload | Data Caps | Find Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EarthLink | $49.95/mo. – $59.95/mo. | 100 Mbps – 5 Gbps | 40 Mbps – 5 Gbps | No | Check Availability |
| Viasat | $64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo. | 25 Mbps – 150 Mbps | 3 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| CenturyLink | $30/mo. – $70/mo. | 20 Mbps – 940 Mbps | 100 Mbps – 940 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| Frontier | $49.99/mo. w/Auto Pay & Paperless Bill | 5000 Mbps – Call for details | 5000 Mbps – Call for details | No | Check Availability |
| Windstream | $19.99/mo. – $39.99/mo. | 100Mbps – 1000Mbps | 200Mbps – 50 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| HughesNet | $44.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | 3 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| Provider | EarthLink |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $49.95/mo. – $59.95/mo. |
| Max Download | 100 Mbps – 5 Gbps |
| Max Upload | 40 Mbps – 5 Gbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | Viasat |
| Starting Price | $64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo. |
| Max Download | 25 Mbps – 150 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 3 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | CenturyLink |
| Starting Price | $30/mo. – $70/mo. |
| Max Download | 20 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 100 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | Frontier |
| Starting Price | $49.99/mo. w/Auto Pay & Paperless Bill |
| Max Download | 5000 Mbps – Call for details |
| Max Upload | 5000 Mbps – Call for details |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | Windstream |
| Starting Price | $19.99/mo. – $39.99/mo. |
| Max Download | 100Mbps – 1000Mbps |
| Max Upload | 200Mbps – 50 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | HughesNet |
| Starting Price | $44.99/mo. |
| Max Download | 25 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 3 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 05/19/2022.
Best satellite internet
$64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo.
25 Mbps – 150 Mbps
3 Mbps
No
Viasat internet is HighSpeedOptions’ top choice for high-speed satellite internet. It offers speeds up to 100 Mbps and additional services you can bundle under one plan. Viasat is widely available, going where cable internet and fiber internet providers can’t.
Most flexible satellite data
$44.99/mo.
25 Mbps
3 Mbps
No
HughesNet provides satellite internet to all 50 U.S. states with speeds up to 25 Mbps, as well as home phone plans. Choose from a variety of high-speed data plans that all include unlimited standard data.
Price stability
$49.95/mo. – $59.95/mo.
100 Mbps – 5 Gbps
40 Mbps – 5 Gbps
No
With the Earthlink fixed price guarantee, you won’t get surprised by sudden price hikes on your monthly bill.
Most perks
$30/mo. – $70/mo.
20 Mbps – 940 Mbps
100 Mbps – 940 Mbps
No
CenturyLink internet plans are available in 36 states, with the best coverage in Colorado, Florida, and Oregon. While most service areas have DSL internet access, CenturyLink is growing its fiber network to include speeds up to 940 Mbps to more homes.
Best coverage in CA, FL & TX
$49.99/mo. w/Auto Pay & Paperless Bill
5000 Mbps – Call for details
5000 Mbps – Call for details
No
Frontier internet plans are available in select areas of 25 states, with the best coverage in California, Florida, and Texas. Frontier offers high-speed internet and home phone services to keep you connected to your world.
Most adaptable contracts
$19.99/mo. – $39.99/mo.
100Mbps – 1000Mbps
200Mbps – 50 Mbps
No
Kinetic by Windstream is available in 18 states, with the best coverage in Georgia, Iowa, and Texas. Shop the best high-speed internet plans for fast, reliable internet that keeps the entire family connected.
Rural internet is an excellent option for those seeking fast, reliable internet in remote areas. While your pace of life may be slower, your internet doesn’t have to be. Many rural internet providers offer internet plans with unlimited data and no-contract options to give you flexibility.
Rural internet falls a bit short regarding overall speeds and data caps, but its low costs and the wide availability of satellite internet make up for what it lacks. Below are the most common types of rural internet:
DSL uses pre-existing cable lines to deliver internet service to homes. DSL offers fast speeds and protection against harsh weather.
Satellite internet is available virtually anywhere. Providers like HughesNet and Viasat offer competitive rates and unlimited data.
Fixed wireless is less common, but those with access benefit from lower latency and decent data rates.
Between hidden fees and price hikes, finding the right internet providers can feel overwhelming. To help with your search, our team of internet experts evaluates ISPs on categories including performance, affordability, and customer satisfaction to provide you with the best options near you.
DSL internet and satellite internet offer comparable speeds. Both can deliver speeds up to 100 Mbps, however, DSL is usually more reliable than satellite for its grounded wire technology. Satellite internet is susceptible to service interruptions due to bad weather or faulty equipment, while DSL runs along grounded telephone lines that are protected from the elements.
If you decide to go with satellite internet, you may be able to get speeds from 25 Mbps to 150 Mbps in speeds. These speeds can support low to moderate internet usage like web browsing and occasional streaming. However, everyone’s needs are unique. The speeds you need will depend on your lifestyle.
Yes. DSL, satellite, and dial-up internet are the most common options in the country. DSL typically offers better data allowances, but Satellite internet is also an excellent option for broadband internet for rural areas thanks to its wide availability.
There are many reasons why your internet might be slow – location aside. Check out our guide on reasons for slow internet and how to fix them.
If you’re still not finding what you’re looking for, don’t worry. Here are a few alternative options for rural broadband you can also consider exploring.
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