Rural Home Internet Options... are there any?

I'll save you some time and get right to the point. Satellite internet is a bummer. Data caps, throttled speeds, weather interruptions, and this is when you can get it to work.

I don't see him getting a connection here...

If you live in a rural area you may not have many options, but YOU DO HAVE OPTIONS.

Now, what are your options?

There's the traditional HughesNet, ViaSat, RiseBroadband (if you're lucky).. but what do you do if you have one of these and it is not working, or you want a back up...

Maybe you don't qualify/have to pay a huge deposit for one of these services and cannot.

Wireless 5G home internet is an option for you. Look, I am always going to be upfront and honest with you, the speeds are not as desirable as coax and fiber connections, but if you are looking for an internet connection that will allow you to consistently stream and use the internet then this is a perfect (and much cheaper) alternative. Realistically, you can expect download speeds from 75-150 Mbps. This is a no BS, realistic estimate. The Providers and salespeople will tell you that you can get up to 300 Mbps on a 5G connection. Sure, you can, but that is dependent on how close you are to a 5G tower and we are discussing Rural Home Internet Options at the moment. How close are you to a 5G tower? I digress.

Options:

T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T. and others are offering 5G home internet.

T-Mobile calls their platform 'T-Mobile HINT', or Home InterNeT. (unlimited options)

$30+ / month

Verizon has 'Verizon 5G Home Internet'. (unlimited options)

$35+ / month

AT&T has 'AT&T Internet Air'. (data capped)

$50+/ month

They are really separating themselves, eh?

My favorite takeaway with the T-Mobile HINT is they just joined forces with Sprint not too long ago. Expanding their 5G network to match Verizon's. This means that 5G HINT option is looking much better as a Rural Home Internet Option. Their coverage map is now just about as far and wide as Verizon's.

Essentially, what you are receiving is wireless home internet via cell towers. This is all dependent on cell coverage in your area and, as you know, cell coverage is spotty or non-existent for some providers in certain areas. I do not know who you have as your cell provider, but we give you options and make a decision based on your knowledge in the area and your current provider. The good thing about these options is most of them come with, at least, a 15-day money-back-guarantee. Also, you do qualify for 'existing customer offers' where the service is $5-$10 cheaper per month if you have, say, Verizon mobile service already.

Here is the T-Mobile 4G LTE & 5G coverage map.

https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/coverage-map

Verizon's coverage map

https://www.verizon.com/coverage-map/

Keep scrolling, I have one more for you...

Another Rural Home Internet Option!

Have you ever watched a Space X launch? Any one of them...

Have you ever wondered what they were launching?

What about the 'train of lights' in the sky?

They launch all different types of payloads, but one of the major ones is their Starlink Satellites. Not all of them were satellites, but quite a few were. Which is great news anyone who can get it, not so much for me, because I am not a retailer for them. What did I tell you earlier? I'm a straight-shooter and if I can save just one of you some money then I am all for it.

StarLink - now, I do not make a penny off of this, but it is a good option for you if you can get it. Starlink deals directly with the customer and has 0 retailers (trust me, I tried). They have residential plans, as well as mobile/roam plans for you take with you on the go, if needed. You do have to buy the hardware up front (around $500), but it is a one time fee and the plans are monthly depending on your needs. This is similar to the HughesNet & Viasat options, but without the telecom overlord. I have the mobile version at my house and it allows me to pause and resume my service at ANY TIME if needed. Residential is not yet available at my location, or I would have switched over.

If there is a data cap with a Starlink plan just be sure you are aware of it. Streaming and video calls, as well as your normal day to day on WiFi will eat up quite a bit and you do not want to get hit with surprise overage fees or a large bill.

Click the link below and put your address in. If Starlink is available at your location now, I would give it a shot if it is within reason for you.

https://www.starlink.com/map

To order Starlink service - https://www.starlink.com/

Starlink Overview Using an array of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink internet has speeds similar to ground-based internet, but with the availability of traditional satellite internet. Internet speeds may increase as Starlink continues to develop its constellation.

Things we like: Easy self-installation – The Starlink Kit comes with everything you need to get going: receiver, WiFi router, and cables. Perfect for rural areas – Starlink is an excellent broadband internet service, especially where choice is limited. Unlimited Data – Unlimited high-speed data is available for Starlink’s residential service. Low latency – Starlink plans provide low internet latency between 20 – 40 ms, which reduces buffering and idling. 30-Day Trial – Starlink offers full refunds on hardware within 30 days if you are not satisfied with the service.

Things to consider: On the expensive side – Upfront equipment costs and monthly service charges can be expensive. Needs clear views of the sky – For the best signal and fastest speeds, your receiver needs a clear view of the sky.

Availability – Access to Starlink is subject to your location, and hardware and service availability. Orders may be delayed. Not ideal in all areas – While ideal for rural customers, satellite internet is not the best solution for urban and suburban areas.

Is Starlink Right for Me?

Starlink has generated a lot of excitement and anticipation…and with good reason. It offers high-speed satellite internet with lower latency compared to other providers. However, there may be a better solution for you or it may not be available where you are.

Whether you have questions or want to see if a product is available at your address - give us a call!

737-787-1933