Or call to learn more: (855) 292-6560
Or call to learn more: (877) 215-6970
Or call to learn more: (855) 758-2133
Or call to learn more: (833) 217-7369
Mediacom – Best cable ISP for rural areas
Ziply Fiber – Fastest rural internet provider
CenturyLink’s DSL network covers suburban and rural areas across 16 states and is capable of delivering speeds as fast or faster than satellite internet without the data caps, contracts or high latency that come with satellite service. Other wired rural ISPs such as Kinetic by Windstream, Mediacom and Ziply Fiber are great choices for a high-speed, low-cost broadband connection in rural areas, as well.
In areas without access to fiber, cable or phone lines, a wireless internet service — such as fixed wireless internet from Rise Broadband or 5G home internet from T-Mobile — may be your best option. There is always satellite internet from HughesNet or Viasat if no other more practical broadband services are available in your area.
Which rural internet provider is best for your home? Here are my picks for the best internet providers that are most likely to be available in rural areas, all of which were chosen based on factors including coverage, speeds, pricing, data caps and customer satisfaction.
DSL Or call to learn more: (855) 292-6560
DSL Show more details
25 – 50 Mbps
$45 – $65 per month
Our take – Rise Broadband is a leading fixed wireless internet provider with service available in 16 states. Of those, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Texas and Utah have the greatest serviceability.
25 – 50 Mbps
$45 – $65 per month
Fixed wireless Or call to learn more: (855) 758-2133
Fixed wireless Show more details
100 – 1,000 Mbps
$40 – $70 per month
Our take – Like CenturyLink, Kinetic by Windstream also received a 6.7/10 in our review, but the provider falls short of CenturyLink in total coverage area. That said, it’s an excellent choice for rural internet as the provider has some of the fastest DSL speeds and one of the greatest fiber network percentages of any rural ISP.
100 – 1,000 Mbps
$40 – $70 per month
Satellite Or call to learn more: (833) 217-7369
Satellite Show more details
100 – 1,000 Mbps
$25 – $80 per month
Our take – As a cable provider, Mediacom can deliver much faster and more reliable speeds than DSL, satellite or fixed wireless service, but its service reach is more limited. Mediacom is available to just over 2% of US residents, with service areas across much of the Midwest and South, as well as parts of California and Delaware.
100 – 1,000 Mbps
$25 – $80 per month
Fiber Or call to learn more: (877) 242-1290
Fiber Show more details
Fixed wireless and satellite internet are most common in rural and suburban areas, because providers can cover a large area with a single antenna tower, or with a constellation of satellites — and without needing to run cable to each home address.
Life can be slower in rural America, as can the internet speeds. Here are some ways to help boost your home internet speeds in rural areas.
Availability is an important consideration for CNET when evaluating home internet providers, but it plays an even larger role when it comes to rural areas where practical broadband options are fewer.
Using the most recent FCC data, I determined which providers, wired and wireless had the largest coverage areas, particularly in regions with low population densities. I then compared the speeds, pricing and service details of each to determine which providers may serve as the best option for residents of rural areas.
For more information about our review process, see our guide to how CNET review internet providers.
What are my options for internet in a rural area?
Why aren’t there more rural internet options?
What internet connection type is best for rural areas?
Who has the fastest rural internet?
What is the average internet speed in rural areas?
Is rural internet fast enough for streaming?
Is Viasat or HughesNet better for rural areas?
Will internet service in rural areas get any better?
When will 5G be available in rural areas?
