How To Get Wifi In Rural Areas

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.

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.

Some 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.

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 about these programs in our in-depth analysis of government assistance programs for internet access.

Additionally, millions of qualified households can save up to $50–$75 on their monthly internet bills through the FCC's new Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). The program helps low-income American households and those who have lost income because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To qualify, someone in your household must be enrolled in certain social programs (Lifeline, SNAP, National School Lunch Program, and others)—or you can qualify based on your income. Applications for the EBB opened on May 12, 2021, and the program will last six months after the pandemic is officially declared as over or when EBB funds are depleted.

The program also includes $100 off the purchase of a computer or tablet in addition to the monthly internet discount. Major internet providers like AT&T, Xfinity, Verizon, and many others are participating, so you likely don't have to change plans to get the discounts. For more information on how to apply and to see a list of participating providers, check out our complete guide to the Emergency Broadband Benefit.

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.⁶ 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.¹

We highly suggest going with other kinds of wired internet if they are available in your area, though if DSL is the only option in your area, it's usually cheaper and sometimes also faster than satellite internet. If DSL is unavailable, 4G LTE home internet is another widely available type of connection that is also generally cheaper than satellite internet. Check out what kinds of connections are available in your area to compare providers.

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.

Providers like Verizon have been heavily investing in their 4G LTE home internet, improving their coverage and the consistency of their connections. Verizon has also improved its equipment over several generations of hardware, making it easier for new customers to set up their own internet without needing professional installation.

How can I save on rural internet?

The Lifeline program helps low-income consumers afford telecommunication services, including internet, with a subsidized monthly price. To see if you qualify, enter your zip code below, find a provider in your area, and ask a customer service representative about your discount options.

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.

Best internet for rural areas summary

Provider	Type	Min. speed	User rating
AT&T	Fixed wireless	10 Mbps	3.83/5
Viasat	Satellite	12 Mbps	N/A
Windstream	DSL	25 Mbps	N/A

1. Rob Pegoraro, USA Today, "AT&T shelving DSL may leave hundreds of thousands hanging by a phone line" October 3, 2020. Accessed January 10, 2021.

2. Michael Sheetz, CNBC, "SpaceX Prices Starlink Satellite Internet Service at $99 per Month, According to E-mail," October 27, 2020. Accessed January 10, 2021.

3. Kate Duffy, Business Insider, "Spacex's Starlink Internet Speeds Are Consistently Topping 150 Mbps — Now Elon Musk Says the Biggest Challenge Is Slashing the $600 Up-front Cost for Users" November 4, 2020. Accessed January 10, 2021.

4. Federal Communications Commission, "5G Fund" November 24, 2020. Accessed January 10, 2021.

5. Federal Communications Commission, "2019 Broadband Deployment Report" May 8, 2019. Accessed January 10, 2021.

6. AT&T, "Enabling Connected Learning with Discounted Wireless Data Plans and Free Wi-Fi Hotspots" November 12, 2020. Accessed November 13, 2020.

7. The White House, "FACT SHEET: Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy," July 9, 2021. Accessed July 13, 2021.

8. Aubrey Clarke, The Science Times, "Elon Musk: Starlink Will Roll Out in the U.S. Soon; Should People Register to the Internet Service?" October 8, 2021. Accessed October 25 2021.