Rural areas provide a slower pace of life, but that can be detrimental when it comes to internet speeds. Luckily, there are numerous ways to increase your download and upload speeds, ranging from relocating your router to switching providers.
Why Is Your Rural Internet So Slow?
Many rural areas have outdated networking technologies. Typically, upgrades start in big cities before expanding outward because it is cheaper and easier to use existing infrastructure like cell towers, underground cables and antennas. Moreover, internet service providers (ISPs) can get more customers in densely populated areas, increasing their potential return on investment.
They have less incentive to increase access in the countryside because they’d have to run tens of miles of cables just to serve a handful of customers. Installing high-speed hardware like fiber-optic cables where you live can be challenging because companies must dig deep trenches to bury them underground.
Common Types of Internet Connections
Satellite internet is reliable. If you can see the sky, you can get it — a dish on your roof connects to a satellite in low earth orbit. However, it is somewhat slow. Alternatively, you could get a digital subscriber line (DSL), which connects your phone line and computer to a modem to provide internet access.
The newer fifth-generation (5G) technology connects your devices to a high-speed cellular network. It is fast, but buildings, tall trees and mountains easily block the signal, so it doesn’t travel over long distances well. Fixed wireless also uses wireless telecommunications technology but is more stable because it connects to a stationary location.
Generally, fiber-optic is superior to satellite, DSL, 5G and fixed wireless, especially if you want faster rural internet. For one, it is unaffected by high winds and severe weather, making it more reliable. Also, it is the only option that provides equal upload and download speeds.
The Benefits of High-Speed Internet
Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you live in the digital age. Video calls, emails, social media, streaming and search engines are a part of life, and each requires an internet connection. It should be fast, even if you’re rarely online. Being able to Google something or FaceTime a friend without lagging or freezing helps you have a more enjoyable experience.
With high-speed internet, you’ll no longer spend precious seconds staring at your screen, waiting for something to happen. Imagine streaming a movie on a slow Sunday night without worrying about a loading circle appearing halfway through. Even if you video call multiple family members at once, everyone’s smiling faces will come through crystal clear.
The better your connection is, the more users and devices can connect to it simultaneously without any drop in performance, even during peak hours when everyone is online. This reality might seem out of reach, but many ISPs are bringing fast internet to rural areas.
How Can I Get Faster Internet in Rural Areas?
Have you noticed websites taking ages to load or your streaming service constantly buffering? You may not have enough megabits per second (Mbps). According to the United States Federal Communications Commission, you need at least 1 Mbps to browse, 10 Mbps to download files and 5 Mbps to stream high-definition video.
That is the bare minimum — it doesn’t mean things will happen quickly, just that they will happen. You need at least 25 Mbps if you are online often or have more than one internet user in the house.
How can you get faster internet in rural areas? The easiest method is to move your router to a central location. This will make your connection more consistent and provide better coverage throughout your home. You may need to manually run a long Ethernet cable, though.
Alternatively, you could switch to a different Wi-Fi band. Most modern routers use both 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and 5 GHz frequencies. The latter is faster. Moving your high-priority devices onto it will reduce network congestion, potentially increasing your download speed. However, its range is smaller.
The best way to get faster rural internet is to switch providers. Telecommunications and networking technologies have come a long way in recent years — speeds are much better. This way, you can get better service in days or even hours without fussing with hardware.
5 Best Rural Internet Service Providers
These five ISPs provide fast internet in rural areas. They also have reasonable prices and outstanding customer service, making them the best.
1. Highline
If you live in Michigan, Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska or Georgia, Highline has high-speed fiber internet tailored for you. Since it has local branches, professional technicians will come directly to your home for a white-glove installation. All plans include Wi-Fi equipment and the Highline Fast app, which you can use to set parental controls or check data usage.
If you want faster rural internet, you’ll get it. It offers up to 2,000 Mbps, with equal upload and download speeds. Its whole-home Wi-Fi system provides internet for all connected devices, covering dead spots to maximize reliability. It even offers weatherproof outdoor mesh Wi-Fi for propertywide connectivity.
Unlike typical ISPs, Highline emphasizes customer care. That’s why it won the Reader’s Choice “Best of the Best” award and the Global InfoSec Award for superior network security. If you ever have a question, a human customer service representative — not a robot — will take your call.
2. Frontier
Although Frontier provides 500 Mbps, 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) and 2 Gbps fiber options, its rural customers mainly get DSL. You don’t get symmetrical download and upload speeds, but every plan comes with equipment, unlimited data, free installation and a $10 autopay discount.
The standard DSL plan starts at $74.99 monthly for up to 115 Mbps download and 7 Mbps upload. Latency — the time it takes for data to travel from its origin to its destination — is typically less than 23 milliseconds. It is relatively low, which is good. The faster it is, the less you will experience lag.
3. Rise Broadband
Rise Broadband provides fixed wireless connections. Like Frontier, it technically has fiber, but few rural communities can access it. Even though it doesn’t offer the best high-speed internet option, it is still a good ISP. For reference, CNET has awarded it the title of “Best Rural ISP” four years and counting.
While the prices vary depending on your location, they are reasonable. You can get 25 Mbps, 50 Mbps or 100 Mbps. Each one comes with unlimited data and free equipment installation. Latency is usually under 10 milliseconds, which is excellent.
You can get the Rise Support Care Service for $9.99 per month if you need technical support. The team will help you install software, troubleshoot hardware issues or set up video streaming. The higher-tier plans include antivirus software, on-demand malware scans and real-time virus removal.
4. Hughesnet
Since Hughesnet uses the JUPITER network — the world’s largest commercial satellite — its rural internet plans reach up to 100 Mbps. Each one has priority data, which switches to standard data once you run out.
Select gives you 50 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload and 100 GB of priority data. However, it has a latency of 650 milliseconds or less, which is very high. Elite is twice as fast and only slightly more expensive. Fusion is the same speed, but it uses satellite and fixed wireless technologies to increase reliability. Also, you get 200 GB of priority data.
You may have to pay equipment, installation or termination fees. Some are recurring, while others are one-time charges due when your service starts or ends. These hidden expenses can be frustrating, but it may be worth it. After all, Hughesnet was named one of the best rural ISPs in 2024 by U.S. News and World Report.
5. Viasat
You may get satellite or fixed wireless service from Viasat, depending on your location. Its plans range from 25 Mbps to 150 Mbps. Its coverage is relatively consistent, so availability shouldn’t be an issue. However, its speeds and prices vary considerably. Where you live could affect whether you can get 12 Mbps or 100 Mbps.
Setup is fast — the technicians typically finish within two to three hours. If installation is more complex, they can get the job done in three to five days. Once they’re gone, you can call the live customer support line if you have any questions.
Although Viasat says it has no contracts, some plans come with a 12- to 24-month minimum service commitment. If you want to cancel early, you will pay a $15 fee for every month remaining on your contract.
Comparing Rural Internet Service Providers
Switching providers is how you can get faster internet in rural areas without investing in expensive hardware or fussing with your router. However, you shouldn’t decide without considering important factors like speed, data caps and contract lengths.
Evaluating connection type, cost and customer support is also necessary when choosing an ISP because they determine reliability and ease of use. You should compare each provider to decide which one best meets your needs.
| Company | Maximum Speed | Data Cap | Contract Length |
| Highline | Up to 2,000 Mbps | Unlimited data | No annual contract |
| Frontier | Up to 2,000 Mbps | Unlimited data | Minimum 12 months |
| Rise Broadband | Up to 100 Mbps | Unlimited data | No annual contract |
| Hughesnet | Up to 100 Mbps | Up to 200 GB priority | Minimum 24 months |
| Viasat | Up to 150 Mbps | Unlimited data | Contract length varies |
Any of these ISPs can offer you faster rural internet, but only one will check all of your boxes. Highline is No. 1 because it provides the most bang for your buck compared to other similarly priced, much slower plans. However, it may not be in your area. In that case, you should carefully consider the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you know the basics of how to get faster internet in rural areas, you may still have questions. You’ll find the answers here.
How Do I Increase Internet Speed in a Low-Coverage Area?
You won’t always find fast internet options in rural areas. If you live in an area with few — or just one — ISP, your best option is to invest in better equipment and place your router in a central location. You should also reduce your network congestion by limiting the number of internet-connected devices online.
What Is the Best High-Speed Internet Option for Rural Areas?
Fiber is hands down the best connection type because it is lightning-fast and reliable. Unlike satellite dishes and phone lines, the cables are buried underground, so they won’t be damaged by hail, high winds or lightning.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get Internet in a Rural Area?
Generally, the faster the rural internet is, the more expensive it is. You can shop around to find the ISP offering the cheapest plans. However, you may not get the best value. Alternatively, you can take advantage of autopay and paperless billing discounts. Keep an eye out for providers that offer free installation or sign-up deals.
You Can Get Faster Internet in Rural Areas
Moving your router or investing in better equipment can improve your download speed, but switching providers will net you the most significant gains. Now that you know how you can get faster internet in rural areas, the only thing left to do is compare ISPs to find the plan that works best for your habits and location.
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