It’s 2024, the modern age in which worlds apart are connected through the internet. Our ancestors would never have dreamt of this, but thanks to science and experimentation, it has become achievable today. But even in this modern age, 22.3 percent of Americans in rural areas and 27.7 percent of Americans in Tribal lands don’t have access to rural broadband internet.
Nevertheless, there’s a solution to each problem. Although getting Wi-Fi in remote areas can be a bit challenging, considering the uneven terrain, less interest by internet carriers, and expensive subscriptions, there still are ways rural individuals can leverage the full extent of the internet.
In this guide, we’ll have a detailed look into how you can get internet in rural areas!
Before we go any further, let’s have a detailed look into the number of rural Americans without a high-speed and stable internet connection and the factors leading to this.
According to a 2018 report from Pew Research, approximately 24% of rural Americans identify access to a reliable internet connection as a significant issue in their communities, with an additional 34% considering it a minor problem. Combining these figures reveals that about 58% of rural Americans face challenges with internet connectivity, translating to 6 out of every 10 individuals in rural areas.
When discussing internet access, two primary terms are commonly used: broadband access and mobile internet access. Broadband access typically refers to wired internet connections, while mobile internet access involves wireless connections. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband as having minimum download speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) and minimum upload speeds of 3 Mbps.
A 2020 report by Microsoft highlights that 42 million Americans, particularly those residing in rural areas, lack access to broadband internet. Their data also indicates that approximately 157.3 million Americans cannot access the internet at broadband speeds, which accounts for nearly half of the entire U.S. population.
Now, let’s get to the main topic and find out how you can get Wi-Fi in remote areas.
This method of connectivity is the most reliable one when it comes to high-speed rural internet. The fiber optics technology consists of sealed wires or pathways. They are made up of specific layers and materials that allow light to pass through the pathways. The speed of light is what accounts for the reliability and efficiency of this type of internet, making it people’s favorite.
Fiber optic cables come in two main types: single-mode and multimode. Single-mode fiber is designed for longer distances, offering slower but more stable signals. On the other hand, multimode fiber is utilized for shorter distances, providing faster speeds but is susceptible to signal loss. Single-mode cables have a narrower core, allowing them to maintain signal integrity over extended distances, while multimode cables have a wider core, enabling faster transmission but with a higher risk of signal attenuation.
As aforementioned, fiber optics are ideal for fast connections. Moreover, they’re resistant to electromagnetic interference and require minimum maintenance. However, they’re expensive, and depending upon certain circumstances, not all remote areas are entertained with fiber optics cables. The fibers are also fragile, and the signals can be easily lost in case of any damage to the cables.
This method of connectivity, known as mobile broadband, offers users internet access through a cellular network, serving as a reliable alternative to traditional cable or DSL broadband connections. Utilizing a small, portable router powered by batteries and equipped with a SIM card, mobile broadband taps into existing 4G or 5G networks, allowing devices to connect via Wi-Fi for internet access. However, it’s important to note that mobile broadband may only support a limited number of devices simultaneously.
Originally introduced in 2008, 4G stands as the fourth generation of mobile network technology. It enables wireless internet access for users. This technology operates through antennas and cell towers transmitting radio frequencies, facilitating connections for mobile devices. Over time, advancements in 4G technology have led to lower network latency and higher speeds, reaching up to 100MBps depending on the carrier.
In the later years, the advent of 5G emerged as the successor to 4G, promising even lower latency and significantly higher speeds surpassing 10GBps. Additionally, 5G is purported to experience less interference compared to its predecessor. However, one significant drawback of mobile broadband, particularly in rural areas, is its coverage limitation. While 4G can typically reach up to 10 miles, 5G’s range is approximately 1000 feet, making it less feasible for remote locations.
Regarding the advantages of 4G mobile broadband, it offers considerable speed, portability, and affordability. Its straightforward setup process makes it an attractive option for users seeking on-the-go internet connectivity. Nonetheless, drawbacks include its tendency to drain battery power on mobile devices and potential privacy and security concerns associated with 4G LTE technology.
Satellite internet, another option for internet connectivity, operates by transmitting signals from a ground-based antenna to a satellite in orbit, which then relays the signal back to the antenna to provide internet coverage for a designated area. One notable advantage of this method is its independence from ground infrastructure, making setup relatively straightforward. All that’s needed is a dish receiver with clear access to the sky, a modem, and a stable power supply, enabling internet access even in remote regions.
Despite its accessibility, satellite internet is typically slower compared to fiber optics and cable internet, often offering speeds below 20MBps. Additionally, the services tend to be pricey, making satellite internet a secondary choice for many users. However, recent advancements such as SpaceX’s Starlink have introduced potential improvements to satellite internet technology.
In terms of its benefits, regular satellite internet boasts ease of setup without the need for underground wiring and the capability to provide internet access anywhere. However, there are notable drawbacks, including slower speeds, high latency, susceptibility to adverse weather conditions, and relatively higher costs. Furthermore, obstructions blocking the receiver can lead to connectivity issues, further complicating the reliability of this option for internet access.
While challenges still persist in providing high-speed internet access to rural areas, there are viable solutions available. Whether through fiber optics, mobile broadband, or satellite internet, individuals in remote regions can overcome connectivity barriers and harness the full potential of the internet.
As technology continues to advance, it’s crucial to explore and implement innovative approaches to ensure equitable access to reliable internet services for all, bridging the digital divide and fostering connectivity in every corner of the country.
I'm incredibly satisfied with WaveNet. Their connection has been consistently reliable, with excellent speeds, and their customer support team has been prompt and helpful whenever I've needed assistance. I highly recommend their service
