How much of the rural US has access to high-speed internet?

According to a 2019 report by the FCC, only 73% of rural Americans and 67% of Americans living on tribal lands have access to internet download speeds of 25 Mbps or higher.5 By contrast, 98% of urban Americans have access to those same speeds.

What options are there for rural wireless?

Mobile wireless providers offer internet plans that use existing cellular networks, like Verizon and AT&T’s 4G networks. There are also smaller providers like UbiFi that use space on these networks to offer their own plans.

How can I do online learning in rural areas?

You can find resources to make online learning in rural areas on our internet for students page. Also, AT&T recently committed $10 million to support education in underserved communities. The company pledged to provide Wi-Fi hotspots and free internet service to struggling students. AT&T has not yet released information on how to sign up for these hotspots.

How many satellite internet providers are there?

There are currently two major satellite internet providers: HughesNet and Viasat. Although these two companies have split the satellite market for years, many new companies are now entering the scene. These include Telesat, Starlink (funded by SpaceX), LeoSat, Project Kuiper (owned by Amazon), and OneWeb (funded by Tokyo-based SoftBank Group). For more information, check out our article on the best satellite internet providers.

Can I find DSL internet where I live?

Many major DSL providers are phasing out their DSL networks in favor of faster, more reliable technologies like fiber and 5G. This is good news for areas that already have access to these faster networks, but less so for areas where these technologies are a long way off. AT&T has already stopped taking on new DSL customers, leaving new residents to DSL-only areas without any options for wired broadband.

How can I find fixed-wireless internet where I live?

Some widely known ISPs like AT&T, Rise Broadband and Windstream offer fixed-wireless and may survey your area to see if it’s suitable to expand into. There are also many local independent fixed-wireless internet providers already available that can provide internet service in your area.

Aside from DSL, satellite, and fixed-wireless internet, are there any other ways to get rural broadband?

Mobile hotspots are another option to get rural broadband in some rural areas. These small gadgets convert a 4G LTE connection into a Wi-Fi signal for your home. If you don’t get cell phone service, it won’t work. But if you do have cell service, consider purchasing a mobile hotspot and data plan.

Rural Internet Providers

Q: Why is it difficult to get internet in rural areas?

Creating infrastructure like laying cables and building towers is an expensive process. Since rural areas have lower population densities and greater distances to cover, ISPs get a much lower return on investment than they get in dense urban areas. Since there isn’t enough competition among ISPs, there’s often no motivation to expand into underserved areas.

Q: Can people in rural areas get assistance on their internet bills?

There are several government programs that make internet more affordable and accessible, including for people in rural areas. You can find out more in our in-depth analysis of government assistance programs for internet access.

Enter your zip to see providers in your area

Verizon
- Speed: Up to 1,000Mbps
- Price: $25.00–$70.00/mo.
Zip code

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T-Mobile
- Speed: 72–245Mbps
- Price: $60.00/mo.
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Viasat
- Speed: 12–100Mbps
- Price: $69.99–$299.99/mo.
Zip code

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Starlink
- Speed:5–100Mbps
- Price:$120.00–$200.00/mo
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Like access to utilities like water and electricity, internet access is essential to modern life. Despite the internet’s importance for work, entertainment, and civic engagement, rural areas are often underserved due to the cost of building out network infrastructure like cables and broadcast towers. This can make it difficult to find the best high-speed broadband option for rural areas, so we’ve compiled all the best options for you.

About rural internet

Internet access is a huge determinant of wealth and quality of life in the U.S., yet rural communities often have the fewest options because internet service providers (ISPs) have less incentive to build out expensive networks in areas with low population density. Fiber and cable networks often don’t extend into rural areas, leaving only DSL or wireless options.

On the other hand, some of the most exciting developments in internet technology are happening in the rural internet space. From low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to multi-transport wireless connections, new technologies may transform rural internet over the next few years. Additionally, many government programs are targeting infrastructure for rural broadband, bringing the benefits of the internet to underserved areas.

Popular rural internet providers

Type	Speed	Price	Order online
GSO Satellite	12–100Mbps	$69.99–$299.99/mo.*	Zip code View Plans
GSO Satellite	50–100Mbps	$49.99–$94.99/mo.^†	Zip code View Plans
LEO Satellite	5–100Mbps	$120.00–$200.00/mo.^‡	View Plans
Fixed wireless	25–50Mbps	$25.00–$65.00/mo.	View Plans
4G/5G home	72–245Mbps	$60.00/mo.^║	View Plans
4G/5G home	Up to 1,000Mbps	$25.00–$80.00/mo.^#	Zip code View Plans
DSL	Up to 100Mbps	$65.00/mo.**	View Plans

Read disclaimers.

Wired connections are the best for getting internet

Wired connections like fiber and cable are generally the fastest, most reliable, and most cost-efficient ways of getting internet. Although they’re mostly found in more urban areas, internet providers are steadily expanding the reach of these networks into less populated parts of the country. Regardless, there are still many areas that don’t have these options and must make do with other internet technologies. Each of these technologies works better in certain situations than others, making it important for people in rural areas to be internet savvy.

Although fiber and cable networks rarely extend into rural areas, you often can still get a wired connection using DSL. Windstream offers DSL internet throughout the Eastern and Midwest United States. DSL is both faster and cheaper than technologies like satellite, making it a welcome option.

Wireless delivers internet where wired doesn’t

Wireless connections are the most common way to connect people in areas that lack infrastructure. Satellite connections, like those provided by Viasat and Hughesnet, are the most ubiquitous wireless technologies because they allow you to basically connect from anywhere in the country.

Satellite has a few big downsides, such as high cost, low download speeds, and high latency. Low-Earth orbit satellites aim to overcome many of the technical hurdles that traditional satellite internet faces. By placing a constellation of tiny satellites in a low orbit, providers like Starlink promise faster speeds and lower latency than other providers’ satellite-only plans.

Satellite vs. Cellular vs. Fixed Wireless: A closer look

During its extended beta testing period, Starlink boasted impressive speeds, but it has steadily revised those speeds down as strain on the network has caused more congestion. Speeds will likely continue to change as new satellites are launched, as old ones deorbit, and as the number of people using the service increases. The company also runs Starlink Roam, which makes its satellite system portable, though at an increased monthly cost and reduced speed.

Hughesnet’s solution for the common satellite internet latency issue is its new Hughesnet Fusion plans. Hughesnet Fusion combines satellite and fixed wireless connections to offer a more reliable connection with lower latency. With some additional equipment, it routes your connection over either satellite or wireless, giving you lower latency when you need it, though other issues associated with satellite internet, such as low speeds and data caps, could still be an issue.

Traditional cellular internet

Cellular technologies are another valuable technology for connecting rural communities. Verizon and T-Mobile provide internet service to rural areas using their 4G LTE and 5G networks. These connections use the same cellular networks they use for phone service. The difference is that 4G LTE and 5G home internet are designed to provide internet to an entire household, giving you a faster and more reliable connection than you might get by using your phone as a hotspot.

Fixed cellular internet

Some providers deliver wireless internet to rural customers using fixed wireless connections. These connections are fast and reliable but require a direct line of sight to a nearby transmitter. This means that availability is much more limited, but it’s a great choice if you can get it.

What internet options are available in your area?

Enter your zip code below to see a list of the providers where you live.

Improving rural connectivity

Finding an ISP in rural areas is especially challenging due to the distinct lack of competition among broadband providers. Over the years, many ISPs have engaged in anticompetitive practices that allow them to inflate prices instead of following market demand. This has meant higher prices and lower speeds for rural customers in underserved areas where there are even fewer options than you’d find in more urban areas of the country.

To address this problem, the White House issued an executive order in July 2021 instructing the FCC to prevent ISPs from engaging in some of these anticompetitive practices, such as colluding with landlords to force tenants into contracts with specific providers. The order also aims to make pricing more transparent, to limit excessive early termination fees, and to restore net neutrality. If implemented by the FCC, these measures could make it easier for people in rural communities to find more affordable, good internet options.

The 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill also increased available funding for rural broadband. This included $1.15 billion in loans and grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) specifically for helping people in rural areas get access to high-speed internet.

These programs will certainly make higher speeds available in rural areas, but it’s equally important to establish competition among providers to ensure that rural Americans have connections that are both fast and affordable.

Related resources

Rural internet FAQ

Update: As of February 8, 2024, the FCC is no longer accepting new applications for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) due to a lack of funding. Although the ACP was intended to be a permanent program with no predetermined end date, it cannot continue to operate if Congress doesn’t fund the program. If the proposed bipartisan funding bill is not approved within approximately two months, program will run out of funds and shut down.

Additional details can be found in our ACP article.

How can people in rural areas get assistance on their internet bills?

People in rural areas can get assistance on their internet bills through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program helps low-income families afford an internet connection by subsidizing the cost of their internet bill. The ACP provides $30 per month toward a household’s internet bill, though households on Tribal land or in high-cost areas might be eligible for enhanced support of up to $75 per month. With certain plans, this subsidy can cover your entire internet bill.

To qualify, someone in your household must be enrolled in certain social programs (Lifeline, SNAP, WIC, National School Lunch Program, and others)—or you can qualify based on your income. This program replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program that was instituted in 2021 to help those dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rural households can also receive benefits through other programs. You can find out more in our in-depth analysis of government assistance programs for internet access.

Why is it difficult to get internet in rural areas?

Rural areas have lower population densities and cover greater distances, so ISPs get a much lower return on investment than they get in dense urban areas. Building infrastructure like underground cables and radio towers is an expensive process. And there isn’t enough competition among ISPs, so there’s often no motivation to expand into underserved areas.

In some areas, communities have addressed this problem by creating their own municipal broadband. These providers work as public utilities, providing faster speeds than even those available in the largest cities and at a fraction of the price for customers.

How can I save on rural internet?

Many rural internet customers can save on their internet bill through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The goal of the ACP is to help every U.S. household have access to high-speed internet. Those currently enrolled in many other government assistance programs already qualify for the ACP, but many other low-income households are eligible as well.

There are also other government programs that can help you get cheap internet, as well as other tips and tricks that can get you cheap or free internet service.

Disclaimers

Popular rural internet providers

Data effective 8/31/2023. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

*Prices and availability vary by location. Installation fees, monthly equipment lease fees, and taxes may apply. After 60 GB of High-Speed Data usage, you still have unlimited access to Standard Data, which may result in slower speed.

^†Pricing for the first 6 months. Service plans require a 24-month commitment. Pricing not available in all areas.

^‡Plus hardware, shipping & handling fees, and tax. Fully refundable. Depending on location, some orders may take 2 weeks or more to fulfill.

^§Plus taxes when bundled w/ qualifying AT&T wireless svc. Incl 350GB data/mo., overage chrgs apply. Ltd. avail/areas in U.S.

^║w/ Auto Pay. Regulatory fees included in monthly price for qualified accounts. See full terms.

^#w/ Auto Pay and select 5G mobile plans. Available in select areas.

**With Auto Pay for 12 months.

Windstream Broadband Label available at: https://www.windstream.com/support/labels/

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