3 Options For Internet Service In Rural Areas
One of the challenges of living in a rural area is you may have limited options for both the type of internet you can receive and the providers in your area. There are three types of internet that are often found in rural areas.
Dial-Up
Dial-up is by far the most common form of internet service found in rural areas because of the presence of copper phone lines. Unfortunately, dial-up is one of the slowest types of internet, and it's common to be kicked offline by an incoming phone call. One of the ways of working around this problem is purchasing an additional phone line that is dedicated to the internet. A less expensive option is to add-on two or three-way calling to your current phone plan. This way, you can make or receive phone calls while simultaneously using your internet. Since copper wiring is usually old, you may find it is worth the money to purchase tech support from your phone company to keep repairs more affordable.
Satellite
Satellite internet gives people in rural areas more options for high-speed internet. Generally, satellite internet service is more expensive, not only upfront but monthly as well. The upfront costs include installation of the satellite, and many providers do not offer unlimited plans, so you pay for a limited number of gigabytes per month. When you are limited in the amount of internet you can use each month, you must be vigilant to disconnect devices from your internet when they are not in use. Also, it is important to use online gaming or streaming services sparingly, since these activities will consume data quickly. Keeping a check on the amount of gigabytes you have left will help you avoid surprise overage charges each month.
Mobile Hotspots
Mobile hotspots are another option that may be provided by your mobile phone provider. This is a good option if you have the opportunity to use unlimited cellular data. Mobile hotspots rely on cellular towers to provide you with internet service. There are several ways to create a mobile hotspot. Some mobile phones are capable of being turned into a hotspot. If you are not purchasing a separate plan for your mobile hotspot, read the fine print of your mobile plan. Some providers do not allow tethering, even if you are capable of connecting other devices to the internet via your phone.
To ensure you can use mobile data for your internet needs, you should purchase a mobile hotspot. A mobile hotspot is a small device that allows you to connect devices to your mobile internet. Generally, you may need to buy a separate data plan from your mobile carrier. One of the advantages of a mobile hotspot is you can typically take the device with you if you need to connect devices away from home.
Although having regular access to the internet can be challenging in some rural locations, there are usually a few options. Selecting an option based on your current needs will help you make a decision that is best for your household. For more information about internet service in rural areas, contact a local provider.